Why is the sign dog called that? - briefly
The sign for "dog" in American Sign Language (ASL) is formed by tapping the thumb of your dominant hand against your chin while keeping the rest of your fingers closed. This gesture mimics the action of a dog's paws tapping or scratching at its owner, providing a visual and tactile representation of canine behavior.
Why is the sign dog called that? - in detail
The name "dog" for the sign originates from its resemblance to the head of a dog, particularly when viewed upside down. This symbol is part of the International Code of Signals (ICS), also known as signal flags, which are used by ships and aircraft to communicate concisely in international waters. Each flag represents a specific letter or number, and combinations of these flags can convey more complex messages. The sign "dog" specifically corresponds to the letter "D" in the ICS. This designation is part of an established tradition within maritime communication, where each flag's appearance is deliberately chosen to be distinct and easily recognizable, even at a distance or under challenging conditions.