What Does Tapping Your Chest Twice Mean In Sign Language

Complete Explanation

In American Sign Language (ASL) and several other sign languages, the gesture of tapping the chest twice with the dominant hand is widely recognized as an informal or non-standard way to express an apology. However, the formally accepted ASL sign for “sorry” is performed by making a fist with the dominant hand and rubbing it in a circular motion over the chest—often compared to a “washing” or “rubbing” movement. The repeated chest tap is sometimes used in casual or rapid signing, especially among younger signers or in informal settings, but it is not considered the grammatically correct sign in standard ASL.

• Primary meaning in ASL:
  The most common interpretation of tapping the chest twice is as a quick, informal apology. It is often seen in contexts where a speaker wants to convey regret without the full, formal sign.
• Alternative meanings:
  In some regional dialects or personal signing styles, tapping the chest twice can also indicate possession—equivalent to “my” or “mine”—especially when the hand is flat and the tap is light. However, the standard sign for “my” involves placing a flat hand on the chest once. The double tap may add emphasis or be a result of coarticulation.
• Variation across sign languages:
  In British Sign Language (BSL), tapping the chest twice with an open hand can mean “me” or “I,” while a closed fist tap may indicate “sorry” in certain contexts. French Sign Language (LSF) uses a similar chest tap for apology but with different handshapes. These variations emphasize that the meaning is not universal and depends on the specific sign language and cultural norms.
• Non-linguistic gesture:
  Outside of formal sign language systems, tapping the chest twice is a common emblematic gesture in many hearing cultures to signal a mistake or self-blame. This broader cultural familiarity may have influenced its adoption into informal signing.

History / Background

The origin of the chest-tap gesture as an apology in sign language is not precisely documented, but it likely evolved from natural human expressions of remorse—such as placing a hand over the heart. In ASL, the formal sign for “sorry” developed from the idea of “wiping away” tears or regret, resulting in the circular rubbing motion. The double tap emerged as a simplified, faster variant, possibly influenced by iconicity (tapping the chest as if pointing to the heart) and by the mechanical ease of reducing a circular movement to two quick touches. This variant gained traction through everyday use in classrooms, casual conversations, and online ASL resources, though it remains controversial among language purists and educators who emphasize the importance of using correct handshapes and movements to avoid ambiguity.

Importance and Impact

Understanding the distinction between the standard and informal signs for “sorry” is crucial for effective communication within the Deaf community. Misuse of the chest tap can lead to confusion—especially when signing “my” or “me” (both of which use a single chest touch) or when the gesture is perceived as lazy or incorrect by native signers. The widespread acceptance of the double tap in some circles reflects the natural evolution of language, but it also highlights the tension between prescriptive standards and real-world usage. For hearing learners, relying on the informal tap may be seen as a lack of respect for ASL grammar. Conversely, its popularity on social media and in beginner classes has increased awareness of ASL but risks perpetuating inaccuracies.

Why It Matters

For anyone learning sign language, the ability to distinguish between the formal sign for “sorry” and the informal chest tap is a practical skill. Using the correct sign demonstrates cultural competence and prevents misunderstandings—for example, accidentally signing “my” when you intend to apologize. Additionally, being aware that the double tap is not universally accepted helps learners choose appropriate communication in different social contexts (e.g., formal events vs. casual chats). This knowledge also underscores the broader principle that sign languages are complex, rule-governed systems, not mere pantomime.

Common Misconceptions