Chapter M: =Mad.= See Angry and Crazy (2)

If one is near death by disease, this may be used to denote recovery; if in great danger, this would mean escaped.

Fr. _se porter mieux_, _se rétablir_; Ger. _sich erholen_.

=Recreation.= See _Play_.

=Reduce.= See _Decrease_.

=Reflect.= See _Idea_ and _Consider_.

=Refuse.= See _Won’t_.

=Religion.= Sign _Medicine_ and _Way_.

Fr. _la religion_; Ger. _die Religion_.

=Remain.= See _Sit_.

=Remember.= Sign _Heart_, _Know_. Or, in popular code, touch the forehead with right G, raise the brows and nod.

=Remember, I=; or =Understand=. Hold right G index upright and grasp it firmly with left hand, face high.

Fr. _je me souviens_; Ger. _ich erinnere mich_.

=Remember not= (It slips from my grasp). As above, but let the right G index slip down and out. See _Forget_.

Fr. _je ne me souviens pas_; Ger. _ich erinnere mich nicht_.

=Remembering.= See _Memories_.

=Repeat=, =Again=, or =Back.= Place the finger tips of the compressed right hand on the left palm, as the latter is held in front of the body, back down, and strike once or twice. (Sheeaka. Probably borrowed from Deaf.) Compare _Once_, _Twice_, _Often_, and _More_.

=Repeat.= Hold up right G, chin high, back up, pointing to left and forward; lash down with it like a whip twice or more as best fits in. Sometimes sign _Come back_. Compare _All the time_.

Fr. _répéter_; Ger. _wiederholen_.

=Reply.= See _Answer_.

=Request.= See _Beg_.

=Resemble.= See _Alike_.

=Respond.= See _Answer_.

=Responsible.= Sign _I_ (or whoever it is), _Do_, _That_ Or _My_ (or _His_) _Way_. (Seger.) Sign _Carry_ and _That_ (Suggested.)

Fr. _responsable_; Ger. _verantwortlich_.

=Restaurant= or =Hotel=. Sign for _House_ and _Eat_.

Fr. _le restaurant_, _l’hôtel_; Ger. _das Restaurant_, _das Hotel_.

=Restrain= or =Prevent=. Sign _Hold_ and _Keep quiet_. Sometimes use _Do not_.

Fr. _réprimer_, _empêcher_; Ger. _zurückhalten_, _verhindern_.

=Result.= Sign _After, Work, See_.

Fr. _le résultat_; Ger. _das Ergebnis, die Folge_.

=Retreat= (Of many). Sign _Charge_, then reverse and withdraw the hands.

=Retreat= (Of one). Sign _Going_, then turn the G hand palm toward you and draw it back with similar action. (Understood; not established.)

Fr. _la retraite_; Ger. _der Rückzug_.

=Reverie.= Bow the head, resting the mouth on the A fist. Compare _Memories_.

Fr. _la rêverie_; Ger. _die Träumerei_.

=Revile.= See _Blackguarding_.

=Revive.= See _Recover_.

=Revolver.= Sign for drawing from belt behind and present the same, using right G hand, back to right. Add _Fire-off_, if need be. See _Gun_.

Fr. _le pistolet, le revolver_; Ger. _der Revolver_.

=Rich.= Sign _Possesses, Heap, Money_.

Fr. _riche_; Ger. _reich_.

=Ride= (To ride an animal). Hold the hands as in _Horse_, and then move the hands to the front on short vertical curves.

Fr. _aller à cheval_; Ger. _reiten_.

=Ridge= (Of hills). Hold the A hands touching, thumbs toward face and upright; draw them apart a foot. Compare _Soldiers_ and _Hill_.

=Ridge.= Sign _Hill_ with right, then hold 5 out at arm’s length, face high, flat, and bent, so the fingers point to the left; swing it slowly horizontally across to the right. This last seems to mean “lying across the horizon” and appears in several combinations. See _Mirage_.

Fr. _la crête_; Ger. _der Kamm_.

=Rifle.= See _Gun_.

=Right.= See _Good_.

=Rill.= See _Creek_.

=Ring= (For finger). Hold up left 5 hand; then with right index and thumb make as though slipping a ring on the ring finger.

Fr. _la bague_; Ger. _der Ring_.

=Rising man=, or =Coming man= (Man rising to stand on a hill). Hold up left as in _Hill_; lay right G behind or beside it, against the thumb, palm forward, pointing up; push right up until the base of the index is sitting on top of the left; that is, becomes _Prominent_. See _Prominent_ and _Famous_.

Fr. _l’homme qui arrivera_; Ger. _der Mann der Zukunft_.

=River=, =Big stream=, or =Running water=. Sign _Water_ then with tremulous movement draw flat right 4 hand, palm down, from opposite left breast to opposite right; fingers always level and pointing to left. Compare _Creek_ and _Rill_.

Fr. _la rivière_; Ger. _der Flusz_.

=Road= (i.e., Highroad; especially between high banks, hills, or fences). Holding the open hands, palm to palm and pointing forward, carry them forward, as if they represented the sides of a road; then add _Going_ by pushing the flat right hand forward in line between, palm to left, fingers level. (Sheeaka.) Or sign _Way_ and _Wagon_.

Fr. _le chemin_, _la route_; Ger. _der Weg_, _die Landstrasse_.

=Robe.= Sign _Coat_; but instead of ending at waist, sweep the hands as low as possible.

Fr. _la robe_; Ger. _das Kleid_, _die Robe_.

=Rock= or =Stone.= Sign _Hard_ and sometimes indicate shape. For _Stone_ add _Lump_. Compare _Metal_.

Fr. _la roche_, _la pierre_; Ger. _der Fels_, _der Stein_.

=Root.= First sign _Tree_ or _Grass_, as may be; then point down, place the 5 hands together at the wrists, backs up and level; pointing left to front and left, right to front and right; then move them out and apart.

Fr. _la racine_; Ger. _die Wurzel_.

=Rope= (Trailing after the horse and twisted). Sign _After_; then, as right is drawn to rear, make tip of index describe a spiral curve. Commonly omit the left hand.

Fr. _la corde_; Ger. _das Seil_, _der Strick_.

=Rose= (Flower). Hold the fingers of the left hand straight, little separated, arranged in a circle, back to left and front; in front of body, index finger horizontal and pointing to right and front; with right hand make as though picking berries from the left finger tips. (C)

Fr. _la rose_; Ger. _die Rose_.

=Rotten= (Meat). Indicate smell, etc.

Fr. _pourri_; Ger. _faul_, _verfault_.

=Rub it out=, =Erase=, =Annul=, =Never mind=, =As you were=. Put middle finger of right hand to tongue, then rub left palm and wipe the palm with under side of right forearm. (Sheeaka. A white man’s sign now understood by Indians.)

Or, if afar, simply shake the flat right hand quickly and vigorously from side to side as it is held palm forward in front of the face. (Pop.) Compare _Easy_ and _Erase_.

Fr. _effacer_; Ger. _auswischen_, “_Schwamm drüber!_”

=Rumor= (A little flying thing). With flat 5 right hand, palm down, shoulder high, swing out level from throat to right, working all the fingers as in playing piano. (A Paiute sign, given me by Mary Austin.) A combination of _Wind_ and _Fly_.

Fr. _la rumeur_; Ger. _das Gerücht_.

=Run.= Swing the fists at each side as in running.

Fr. _courir_; Ger. _laufen_.

=Run against.= See _Quandary_.

=Run away=, =Slip away=, =Clear out=, =Sneak= (Run under cover). Hold out flat left hand, palm down; push right G hand under it quickly and sinuously. Sometimes preface it by laying one hand over the eyes. Compare _Jealous_.

Fr. _filer_, _se sauver_; Ger. _ausreiszen_, _weglaufen_.

=Running Water.= See _River_.

S

=Sacred.= See _Medicine_.

=Sad.= See _Sorrow_.

=Saddle.= Hold out both S hands, palms up, side by side (sometimes inches apart), about height of shoulders, forearms vertical, wrists bent so backs of hands are nearly down.

Fr. _la selle_; Ger. _der Sattel_.

=Safe.= See _Recover_ or _Alive_.

=Sage Brush= (Bunches). With all finger tips together pointing up, swing the hand to various places in front of right shoulder. (C) Compare _Peak_ and _Canoe_.

=Sage.= Sign _White_, _Good smell_, _Grass_.

Fr. _la plante aromatique de la prairie_; Ger. _der Präriebusch_.

=Salt.= Sign _Powder_, then the act of sprinkling with finger and thumb. (Blackfoot.) Touch the tongue cautiously with the right G. Compare _Sugar_ and _Pepper_.

Fr. _le sel_; Ger. _das Salz_.

=Same.= See _Equal_.

=Sanctuary, to claim.= See _Bar up_.

=Satisfied.= See _Contented_.

=Save.= See _Recover_, also _Free_.

=Save= or =Except=. See _But_.

=Savey= or =Sabe=. This word universal in the west is the same sign as _Know_.

=Saw.= With lower edge of right, thumb up, saw across the upper edge of left wrist held out horizontally.

Fr. _la scie_; Ger. _die Säge_.

=Say.= See _Call_.

=Scalp= (To). Point to scalp, make as though pulling it forward and sign _Cutting_ under. The last two gestures being done out in front of the body.

Fr. _scalper_; Ger. _die Kopfhaut abziehen_.

=Scatter!= (A command to scouts). See _Go_ and _Scatter_.

=Scatter= or =Sow= (As seeds). Hold the closed hands, backs up, near each other and close to breast; move right hand well to front and right, left well to front and left; that is, widely separate the hands, swinging each in a half-circle out, so the palms are a little outward, at the same time extending and separating fingers and thumbs. (C) Compare _Bad_ and _Scorn_; in these the hands are not moved apart.

=Scatter.= Swing closed right to left, there opening to 5 so palm is to left and forward; then same movement with hand opened to right, each time in a graceful sweep. The Cheyennes say the above is _Throw away_.

Fr. _disperser_, _semer_; Ger. _ausstreuen_, _säen_.

=Schoolhouse.= Sign _House_ and _Writing_; usually preceded by _Children_.

Fr. _l’école_; Ger. _die Schule_.

=Schoolteacher.= Sign _Book_ and _Chief_.

Fr. _le maître d’ école_; Ger. _der Lehrer_.

=Scold.= See _Abuse_; also _Fault-finding_.

=Scorn.= Turn the head away and with one hand throw an imaginary handful of sand toward the feet of the person. This is the same as _Bad_, except for the turn of the head.

Fr. _le mépris_; Ger. _die Verachtung_.

=Scout.= Same as _Wolf_, but hold the hand near the right ear. Sometimes use _Advance Guard_, which see. The Cheyennes sometimes sign it as _Wolf_, _Soldier_.

Fr. _le coureur_ (_d’ armée_); Ger. _der Späher_.

=Scout, to.= Sign _Wolf_ and _Look_.

Fr. _aller à la découverte_; Ger. _spähen_.

=Scout=; that is, _Boy Scout_. Hold up the right hand with finger and thumb forming a ring, other three fingers straight up. (Pop.)

Fr. _le petit éclaireur_; Ger. _der jugendliche Pfadfinder_.

=Scout=; of the _highest degree_. Add the sign _Wolf_ to the foregoing. (Suggested.)

=Scout leader= or =Patrol leader=. Sign _Boy Scout_; then lay the 4 left hand on left side of head to indicate plume. (Suggested.)

=Scout, Tenderfoot.= Make signs _Boy Scout_ and _Small_. (Suggested.)

=Sculptor.= Right fist closed, thumb held up straight and free, then used as a trowel on an imaginary wall. (Pop.)

Fr. _le sculpteur_; Ger. _der Bildhauer_.

=Search me.= With a hand grasping each lapel, spread open the coat. (Pop.)

Fr. _examinez-moi_; Ger. _was weisz ich?_ (Pop.)

=Seasons.= The four seasons are _Little Grass_ (_Spring_); _High Grass_ (_Summer_); _Leaf Fall_ (_Autumn_); and _Cold_ or _Snow_ (_Winter_). Each is given in alphabetic place.

=Secret= or =Private= (Talk under cover). Left hand flat, horizontal, near left cheek; with right, sign _Talk_ under it. Usually sign _Talk_ and _Hide_.

Fr. _le secret_; Ger. _das Geheimnis_.

=Seek.= See _Hunt_.

=See.= The fingers of V hand pointed forward (as in _Look_) then advanced a little in the line of sight; sometimes for extra point, it is changed into G hand and pushed forward. Also compare _Hunt_ and _Lie_, _Look_ and _Find_. The difference between _Look_ and _See_ is not observed by most Indians; but it is well to maintain it.

Fr. _voir_; Ger. _sehen_.

=See me.= Point at one’s own chin with the right V hand and touch breast.

Fr. _voyez-moi_; Ger. _sehen Sie mich_.

=Seem.= See _Appear_.

=Seize.= Move the open hands forward; grasp and draw back as though seizing some object.

Fr. _saisir_; Ger. _ergreifen_.

=Select.= See _Choose_.

=Sell.= See _Trade_. On the Stock Exchange, the clenched fist thrown forward and down means _Sell_. Probably in imitation of the auctioneer’s hammer. See _Kill_.

=Sell=, =Sold= or =Bought= i.e., =Marketed=. On middle of side of left G held out, tap two or three times with middle side of right G. This is also used for _Buy_, which see for illustration. It is supposed to have had origin in an old gambling game. See _Trade_.

Fr. _vendre_; Ger. _verkaufen_.

=Send= (Command and Go). Hold the right A near the breast; swing it out, up and down a foot; then swing the right G higher and farther. (Sheeaka.)

Fr. _envoyer_; Ger. _senden_, _schicken_.

=Separate= or =Apart=. Lay the G fingers side by side, backs up; spring them apart, widest at tips, moving them forward and out.

Fr. _séparer_; Ger. _trennen_.

=Several.= Extend the fingers of the right A hand, one at a time, beginning with the index. (Sheeaka.)

Fr. _plusieurs_; Ger. _mehrere_.

=Sew.= Hold flat left hand index edge up, thumb level with index; move right G hand index with extended thumb, across left index once or twice as in sewing; each time nearer the body and each time turning the right index nail down, as it is moved forward. Compare _Awl_.

Fr. _coudre_; Ger. _nähen_.

=Shade.= Sign _Sun_, _Not_.

=Shadow= (Of a person). Indicate the person; then sign _Going_, _There by me_, _Same_. _There by me_ is indicated by pointing to the ground on the left side with right G.

Fr. _l’ombre_; Ger. _der Schatten_.

=Shall.= See _Will_.

=Shaman.= See _Medicine-man_.

=Shame= (On you). (The finger of scorn made sharper.) Point left index at person, all others closed; and with right index similarly held, rub it on back of left index from middle to tip and beyond. (Pop.) See _Ashamed_. In France the idea is conveyed by the _Horns_. See _Evil Eye_.

Fr. _fi! fi donc!_ (Pop.); Ger. _Schäme dich!_

=Sharp= or =Keen=. Hold out flat right hand, palm up; touch little finger edge lightly with ball of left thumb and add _Good_. For _Sharp points_ see _Porcupine_.

Fr. _affílé_; Ger. _scharf_.

=Shave.= Use the flat right hand as a razor, palm to right, points up, little finger next right cheek as the edge; move it toward the right ear.

Fr. (_se_) _raser_; Ger. (_sich_) _rasieren_.

=Shawl.= Sign _Blanket_ and _Fringe_. For _Fringe_, hold out the left 5 hand points forward, level; then push the similar right over it forward several times.

Fr. _le châle_; Ger. _der Schal_.

=She.= Sign _Female_ and point with G finger at the person.

Fr. _elle_; Ger. _sie_.

=Sheep, Mountain=, or =Bighorn=. With compressed hands above each eye, pointed backward, trace the sweep of horns, ending below ears, with points turned forward.

Fr. _le mouton sauvage_; Ger. _das amerikanische Groszhornschaf_.

=Sheep, Common.= Sign _Bighorn_ and _White Man_.

Fr. _le mouton_; Ger. _das Schaf_.

=Shell.= Hold the curved hands side by side, close and open them on the under side, as though hinged on top. Compare _Boat_, _Book_, _Bowl_, and _Open_.

Fr. _la coquille_; Ger. _die Muschelschale_.

=Shield= (Noun). With both L hands a little apart, index fingers pointed down, make a large incomplete circle to left of left breast. See _Protect_.

Fr. _le bouclier_; Ger. _der Schild_.

=Shine=, =Shimmer=, or =Glitter=. Hold out the curved right 5 hand, palm down; lower it slightly, shaking it quickly sidewise. Compare _Snow_, _Glitter_, and _Easy_.

Fr. _briller_, _étinceler_; Ger. _scheinen_, _glänzen_.

=Ship.= Raise and spread thumb and two first fingers to be masts, others closed; then push the hand forward slowly in a rising and falling line. (Deaf sign for _Sailing Ship_. For Indian sign see _Boat_, _Big_.)

Fr. _le navire_; Ger. _das Schiff_.

=Shoe.= Sign _Moccasin_, _White Man_.

Fr. _le soulier_; Ger. _der Schuh_.

=Shoot= (A gun). See _Fire_.

=Shoot= (An arrow). Sign _Bow_, then snap the index fingers out straight. To add _Hit with an arrow_, hold up the flat left and thrust the right G through it.

Fr. _lancer_ (_une flèche_); Ger. _schieszen_.

=Shop.= See _Store_.

=Short.= For things which grow, hold the flat hand back forward, fingers pointing up at desired height. For things which do not grow, use the flat hand, palm down; or else, both flat hands side by side, palm to palm. The same as _Low_.

Fr. _court_; Ger. _kurz_.

=Shot-gun.= See _Gun_.

=Shout.= See _Yell_.

=Show=, =Prove=, =Proof=, or =Behold=. Raise flat left hand, palm forward. Lay index of right G on it and turn the two about, pushing them forward as though to show something. (Sheeaka. Borrowed from the Deaf.)

=Show=, =Prove=, =Proof=, or =Behold=. Hold out the flat left, palm up, pointing forward and down. Point to the person in question with right G, then at left palm with right V.

Fr. _montrer_; Ger. _zeigen_.

=Sick=, =Suffering=, =Sick one=, or =Invalid= (Throbbing). Hold flat hands out near breast; move the hands quickly outward and back several times. Compare _Lungs_.

Fr. _malade_; Ger. _krank_.

=Side by Side.= See _Parallel_.

=Sign Language=, =To talk in Sign Language=. Touch the back of left hand with tip of right, the back of right with tip of left and add _Talk_. (C)

Fr. _le langage des signes_; Ger. _die Gebärdensprache_.

=Silence=, =Silent=, or =Hush=. Lay the extended index, pointing upward, over the mouth. In the more vigorous form of _Shut up_, lay the flat hand on the mouth (recent).

Fr. _silence!_ _taisez-vous!_; Ger. _schweigen!_ _still!_

=Silly.= See _Foolish_.

=Silver.= Sign _Money_ and _White_.

Fr. _l’argent_; Ger. _das Silbergeld_.

=Sin= or =Badness=. Same as _Bad_. See _Evil_.

=Since.= See _After_.

=Sing.= Hold right V hand, back to right, in front of face; finger tips a little higher than and close to mouth, pointing nearly up. Move the hand briskly so finger tips describe a small horizontal circle. Compare _Lie_ and _Abuse_.

Fr. _chanter_; Ger. _singen_.

=Sioux.= See _Indian_.

=Sister.= Sign _Woman_ and _Brother_.

Fr. _la soeur_; Ger. _die Schwester_.

=Sister-in-law.= Sign _Brother-in-law_ and _Woman_.

Fr. _la belle-soeur_; Ger. _die Schwägerin_.

=Sit=, =Sit down=, or =Remain=. Hold the right A hand in front of and a little lower than right shoulder, back to right; move the hand emphatically downward a few inches. Compare _Wait_ and _Aboard_.

Fr. _s’asseoir_; Ger. _sitzen_.

=Skin.= See _Hide_.

=Skinny.= See _Lean_.

=Skunk= or =Polecat=. Indicate _Size_ and tail up; that is, curving G up, palm forward; move in gentle jerks forward, and then add _Smell_, _Bad_. Compare _Weasel_.

Fr. _la bête puante_, _la mouffette_; Ger. _das amerikanische_
_Stinktier_.

=Sky.= See _Heavens_.

=Sled= or =Sleigh= (The runners). Both G hands, backs down, 4 inches apart; index fingers curved and pushed forward. The idea is helped by _Snow_ on _Ground_.

Fr. _le traineau_; Ger. _der Schlitten_.

=Sleep.= Hold both flat hands, backs up, in front of breast, same level; swing both over to the left in an up and down curve, in which the right (only) turns palm up; the left continues back up; then lower the head a little to right. Some finish with both palms up.

Journeys are one sleep, two sleeps, etc., on the Plains.

Fr. _le sommeil_, _dormir_; Ger. _der Schlaf_, _schlafen_.

=Sleepy.= Rub the eyes with the fists. (Pop.) Or yawn and lay the head on one side, closing the eyes. (Sheeaka.) Both of these are understood by the Cheyennes, but they use _Want_, _Sleep_.

Fr. _avoir sommeil_; Ger. _schläfrig_.

=Slow.= Hold out the flat left hand, palm to right; ditto right hand opposite, palm to left; in slow jerks, move the left hand forward; at the same time, jerk the right, making the latter fall behind. Compare _Fast_.

Fr. _lent_; Ger. _langsam_.

=Small=, =Few=, or =Crowded=. Compress both hands so the fingers are straight, but at an angle with the back of the hand; hold them about eight inches apart, backs out, pointed up and forward, right higher; move them together till the right is over the left. Sometimes the Cheyennes made this sign with the closed fists to mean _Few_. Compare _Little_.

Fr. _peu_; Ger. _wenig_.

=Smaller, to make.= See _Decrease_.

=Smart.= See _Cunning_.

=Smell.= Hold V hand, back up, fingers pointing to chin; swing fingers up so the nose passes between them. Compare _Blood_ and _Brother_. Place the palm close before the tip of the nose. (Pop.)

Fr. _sentir_; Ger. _riechen_.

=Smell=, =A bad smell=, or =Stink=. Sign _Smell_ and hold the nostrils, or sign _Bad_. (Sheeaka.)

Fr. _la mauvaise odeur_, _la puanteur_; Ger. _der üble_ _Geruch_,
_der Gestank_.

=Smell=, =A good smell=. Sign _Smell_ and _Good_.

Fr. _la bonne odeur_; Ger. _der gute Geruch_, _der Duft_.

=Smoke.= For distant smoke, like a signal-fire smoke, make sign for _Fire_ and continue raising hand in a spiral till higher than head.

Fr. _la fumée_; Ger. _der Rauch_.

=Smoke a pipe= (Action of filling it). Hold up the left A, thumb up, tap on top two or three times with flat right, then add _Pipe_, jerking it forward two or three times.

Fr. _fumer_ (_une pipe_); Ger. _rauchen_ (_eine Pfeife_).

=Smoke a cigarette.= Put index and thumb to mouth as though holding a cigarette. (Blackfoot.)

=Smooth= or =Level=. Rub the back of the flat left hand, held palm down, with whole palm of the flat right, back and forth, in long strokes. Sometimes use _Prairie_. Compare _Indian_ and _At_.

Fr. _lisse_; Ger. _glatt_.

=Smooth Ground.= See _Prairie_.

=Snake= (Its motion). Hold the right H (or sometimes G) hand, back to right, waist high, fingers pointing to front; move it several inches to front in a sinuous line from side to side. Compare _Fish_, _Creek_, and _Rope_.

Fr. _le serpent_; Ger. _die Schlange_.

=Sneak.= See _Run away_.

=Snow.= Raise and spread both hands a foot apart, backs up, fingers curved; then softly lower them in slow, short zigzags. For _Rain_, the lines down are straight. _Years_ are commonly called _Snows_ or _Winters_. Compare _Shimmer_.

Fr. _la neige_; Ger. _der Schnee_.

=So=, =Just so= (That’s true). Swing the right G index from 45 degree angle down to level; then add _Straight_, swinging index up slightly at finish. Sometimes sign _Yes_. Compare _Idea_.

Fr. _si_, _précisément cela_; Ger. _so_, _jawohl_.

=So that=; =In order that= (So, that). Strike down a foot with the right G in front of breast, then strike it on the left flat hand held opposite left breast. (Sheeaka.)

Fr. _de sorte que_, _pour_; Ger. _um_, _damit_.

=Soap.= Rub the hands together as in washing them.

Fr. _le savon_; Ger. _die Seife_.

=Soft or Muddy Ground= (Animal’s legs going down). Form a horizontal half-circle of left index and thumb; drop the right fist into it; reverse the hands and repeat.

Fr. _la terre molle_, _la boue_; Ger. _die weiche Erde_, _der
Schlamm_.

=Soft=, in general. Sign _Hard_ and _Not_.

Fr. _mou_; Ger. _weich_.

=Soil.= See _Earth_.

=Soldiers= (In a row, spread out). Hold the flattened fists out in front, side by side, backs up so basal joints of the fingers are nearly level and the middle joints form a row; then swing them apart.

In many whose fingers are stiff the row is made with the basal joints plumb, as in the upper cut; but the correct way is as below.

“This represents the line of the Indian soldiers that, pending the order to charge, held back the people in the buffalo hunt.” (Scott.) Compare _Ridge_, _Done_, and _Fat_.

Fr. _les soldats_; Ger. _die Soldaten_.

=Some= (Here and there one). Point with index finger downward and at some near spot on the ground, then change to another farther off, then to another. (Scott.)

Fr. _quelques_; Ger. _einige_.

=Some=, =A part of=. Hold out level flat left, back forward and out; lay flat right thumb up on left index near the tip; then jerk it toward tip and beyond. This is much like _Halve_; but the right is casually brushed along the edge of the left and at no time precisely placed.

Fr. _du_; Ger. _etwas_.

=Sometimes= (Different times). Sign _Time_, moving the hands apart in short jerks. (Seger.) Compare _By and by_.

Fr. _quelquefois_; Ger. _zuweilen_.

=Somewhere.= Hold right G up near right shoulder; swing it in a curve up and down to opposite left shoulder and back. Also used in the question _Where?_

Fr. _quelque part_; Ger. _irgendwo(hin)_.

=Son.= Sign _Born_ and _Male_.

Fr. _le fils_; Ger. _der Sohn_.

=Song= or =Poem= (Written singing). Sign for _Sing_ and _Write_.

Fr. _la chanson_; Ger. _das Lied_.

=Soon= or =Early=. Sign _Time_, then stop with the fingers an inch apart. Compare _Sometimes_, _Time_, _By and by_, _Close_.

=Sorrow=, =Distress=, =Discouraged=, =Down-hearted=, =Sadness=, or =Sad= (Heart on the ground). Lay the right compressed hand on the heart, pointing down; then throw it forward and down, ending the sign with the flat hand very low, palm up, near the ground.

Fr. _le chagrin_, _la douleur_; Ger. _das Leid_.

=Sorry= (It grinds my heart). Rub the fist on heart in circle two or three times. (Blackfoot.)

This is less strong than _Sorrow_ and is used as a polite expression of interest, equivalent to “What a pity.” (Eastman.) See also _Trouble_.

Fr. _j’en suis fâché_; Ger. _leid tun_, _es thut mir leid_.

=Soul.= See _Spirit_.

=Sour.= See _Bitter_.

=Sow.= See _Sew_.

=Sow Seeds.= See _Scatter_.

=Spark.= See _Fire_.

=Speak.= See _Talk_.

=Spear.= Make as though thrusting a spear with both hands.

Fr. _la lance_; Ger. _der Speer_.

=Speech=, =Message=, or =Talk=. That is, a long talk, as at council, by oneself. (Handing out words.) Hold the flat right hand, back down, pointing to left, at lower lip and swing it forward several times. Compare _Discussion_ and _Talk_.

Fr. _la harangue_; Ger. _die Rede_.

=Speech to me= or =Tell me=. Speech by another addressed to oneself is the same as the preceding, but swing the right hand in toward the chin instead of out. Compare _Drink_, _Water_, _Discussion_, and _Talk_.

=Spell=, that is, =Spell it=. Make writing in the air, then sign _Talk_.

Fr. _écrivez le_; Ger. _buchstabieren Sie es_.

=Spider.= Hold the palm of the right hand about one and a half inches from a flat surface; spread the fingers and thumb and work them like legs; the hand represents the body. (Scott.) Compare _Bunch_ and _Herd_.

Fr. _l’araignée_; Ger. _die Spinne_.

=Spirit= or =Petrole= (Water of strong power). There is no established sign; but Sheeaka understood this combination: _Water_ and _Strong_. A Cheyenne gave it _Lantern_, _Different_, _Strong_, _Pour_.

Fr. _l’essence_, _le pétrole_; Ger. _das Benzin_.

=Splendor.= See _Glow_.

=Spoon.= Use the cupped right hand as a spoon.

Fr. _la cuiller_; Ger. _der Löffel_.

=Spotted.= Hold out the level left arm and with right curved 5 hand finger tips tap the left arm at various places on the inside, from the wrist up, as though flecking it with the tip of a brush, at both up and down strokes. Compare _Striped_.

Fr. _tacheté_; Ger. _getupfelt_.

=Spring= (Water coming up and spreading). Make the sign for _Water_, then a large horizontal circle with L hands (as in _Hole_); then push the right compressed hand up through the left L hand and, as it comes up, extend the fingers with a slight snap to represent the bubbling water.

Fr. _la source_; Ger. _die Quelle_.

=Spring= (Little grass time). Sign _Grass_ and _Short_. Add _Time_ if there is doubt.

Show longer grass for June, etc.

Fr. _le printemps_; Ger. _der Frühling_.

=Squeeze.= See _Few_.

=Squirrel.= Hold both compressed hands near the mouth and give a quick motion of the lips. (Ruggles.) Or sign _Tree_ with left hand, then with compressed right hand as in _Animal_ indicate running up and around.

Fr. _l’écureuil_; Ger. _das Eichhörnchen_.

=Squirrel, Flying.= Sign _Squirrel_, _Fly_; and then with right hand flat, palm down, simulate flight down and up in a long sweep. This is merely a description, not an established sign.

Fr. _l’écureuil volant_; Ger. _das Flughörnchen_.

=Stand= (As a man). Make right V hand stand on left palm, the fingers representing legs. For an animal, use all four fingers of right. See _Alight_.

Fr. _se tenir debout_; Ger. _stehen_.

=Stand up= (As a tree or pole). Hold G hand, back forward, erect over shoulder. Compare _Tall_ and _Up_.

Fr. _être debout_; Ger. _aufrecht stehen_.

=Star.= Make the sign for _Night_, then cross the right G with left G near the tips and hold up high. Some flirt the index tip from behind the curved thumb in different directions up high, to mean twinkling. This is nearly like _Talk up high_.

Fr. _l’étoile_; Ger. _der Stern_.

=Stay.= Sign _Stop_, _Wait_, and _Sit down_.

Fr. _rester_; Ger. _bleiben_.

=Steal= (To seize under cover). Hold out flat left hand pointing out, back up; reach right G hand under wrist, then draw it back with a sweep, curving it into a hook at the same time.

Fr. _voler_; Ger. _stehlen_.

=Steamboat.= Sign _Boat_, _Big_, _Fire_, holding the hand above the forehead for the last.

Fr. _le bateau à vapeur_; Ger. _das Dampfboot_.

=Stingy.= See _Mean_.

=Stink.= Sign _Bad Smell_.

=Stir.= Hold left as in C, back out, and make as though stirring its contents with a ladle held in right. Compare _Tea_.

Fr. _remuer_; Ger. _rühren_.

=Stone.= Sign _Rock_ and _Lump_.

=Stop.= See _Halt_.

=Stop= or =Full Stop=. See _Period_.

=Store= or =Shop=. Sign _House_ and _Trade_.

Fr. _le magasin_, _la boutique_; Ger. _der Laden_.

=Storm.= Sign _Strong_ then _Wind_, shaking the fingers when opened and sometimes adding the sound of blowing.

Fr. _l’orage_, _la tempéte_; Ger. _der Sturm_.

=Story.= See _History_.

=Straight.= See _Honest_; also _True_.

=Stranger.= Sign, _My_, _People_, _Not_. Or _Man_, _Different_.

Fr. _l’étranger_; Ger. _der Fremde_.

=Stream.= See _River_.

=Strike.= Hold out flat left, palm up; strike it with the edge of flat right hand. Compare _Chop_ and _Kill_.

Fr. _frapper_; Ger. _schlagen_.

=Strike, To make a.= See _Count Coup_.

=Striped.= Hold out flat left with forearm level and draw the right flat palm across it at different points on the upper side. Compare _Spotted_.

Fr. _rayé_; Ger. _gestreift_.

=Strong.= With left fist, back out, grasp an imaginary stick; then also grasp it four inches higher with right fist, back in. Give a strong outward twist to the right, finishing with the right fist below the left and back downward. The left is not moved. This means physically strong in most cases, and few Indians distinguish this from _Very much_; which see. Compare _Little_.

Fr. _fort_; Ger. _stark_.

=Subtract= or =Take from=. Holding out the flat left, palm toward you, with all the right fingers and thumb make as though seizing something on the left palm; draw the right to you and down. (Sheeaka. Borrowed from the Deaf.) Compare _Place_.

Fr. _soustraire_; Ger. _abziehen_.

=Succeed.= Sign _Push_, _Work_, and _Finish_. Compare _Fail_.

Fr. _réussir_; Ger. _Erfolg haben_.

=Suffering.= See _Sick_.

=Sugar= or =Sweet.= Rub the tongue with tips of extended index and second finger of right hand, then add _Good_. Compare _Salt_ and _Bitter_.

Fr. _le sucre_; Ger. _der Zucker_.

=Sullen= or =Sulky=. Sign _Heart_, _Angry_, _Hide_. (Blackfoot.) See _Gloomy_.

=Summer= (Time of high grass). Sign _High_, _Grass_. Or sometimes sign _Hot_ only.

Fr. _l’été_; Ger. _der Sommer_.

=Sun.= Form a circle with index and thumb of right hand; hold hand toward east and swing it in a great up-curve toward the west. In conversation, the circle is often incomplete.

Fr. _le soleil_; Ger. _die Sonne_.

=Sunday.= Sign _Day_ and _Medicine_.

Fr. _le dimanche_; Ger. _der Sonntag_.

=Monday= is _Day after Medicine Day_.

Fr. _le lundi_; Ger. _der Montag_.

=Tuesday= is _Two Days after Medicine Day_.

Fr. _le mardi_; Ger. _der Dienstag_.

=Wednesday= is _Three Days after Medicine Day_.

Fr. _le mercredi_; Ger. _der Mittwoch_.

=Thursday= is _Four Days after Medicine Day_.

Fr. _le jeudi_; Ger. _der Donnerstag_.

=Friday= is _Two Days before Medicine Day_.

Fr. _le vendredi_; Ger. _der Freitag_.

=Saturday= is _Little Medicine Day_.

Fr. _le samedi_ Ger. _der Sonnabend_.

=Sunrise.= Make a ring of the right index and thumb, others closed, level, at full length toward the east; then raise it, chiefly by wrist action, so the ring is nearly at an angle of 45 degrees.

Fr. _le lever du soleil_; Ger. _der Sonnenaufgang_.

=Sunset.= The reverse of Sunrise; that is, hold the ring to the west and swing it down from 45 degrees to level or lower.

Fr. _le coucher du soleil_; Ger. _der Sonnenuntergang_.

=Superior= or =Higher= (One above another). Hold both G fingers side by side, upright, one of them higher to represent the person or thing. When it is _One above many_ use the left “5” hand instead of left G. See _Rising Man_, also _Chief_.

Fr. _supérieur_; Ger. _höher_ (_stehend_), _vorgesetzt_.

=Superlative.= See _Comparative_; also _Very much_.

=Supper.= Sign _Night_ and _Eat_.

Fr. _le souper_; Ger. _das Abendessen_.

=Surprise=, =You surprise me=. Hold flat hand on the mouth. This can be made stronger by using both hands. Sometimes also for emphasis precede this with a slap down of the flat right on the flat left, palm to palm. See _Astonishment_.

Fr. _étonner_; Ger. _überraschen_.

=Surrender= or =Give up=. (No weapons.) Hold both 5 hands, palms forward, at height of head. Sometimes one hand only.

Fr. _rendre, se rendre_; Ger. _sich ergeben_.

=Surround= or =Encircle=. Hold out both L hands at arm’s length, then swing them together to form a level circle. See _Enclosure_.

Fr. _entourer_; Ger. _umgeben_.

=Swap.= See _Trade_.

=Swear.= See _Oath_.

=Sweat.= Draw the hooked right index across the brow as though wiping off sweat. See _Hot_.

Fr. _la sueur_; Ger. _der Schweisz_.

=Sweat Lodge= or =Turkish Bath=. Sign _Medicine_ and _Wickey up_. (C) Or with 5 hands indicate the shape beginning at top, then sign _Open_, _Enter_, _Sweat_.

Fr. _le sudatorium_, _le bain turc_; Ger. _das Schwitzbad_.

=Sweet.= See _Sugar_.

=Sweetheart= or =Lover=. Touch G to lips and add _Heart_. (Modern, but now in general use among Cheyenne boys.)

=Sweetheart= or =Lover=. Thrust the right L hand forward, level, back up and to right, turning slowly by wrist action so the thumb rises two or three inches up and down on the axis of the index. Compare _Courting_ and _Glitter_.

Fr. _le bien-aimé_; Ger. _der Geliebte_.

=Swift.= See _Fast_.

=Swim= (Probably to suggest a fish tail in action). That is, “Will you come in swimming?” Hold right hand as high as the face, back forward, all fingers closed except index and middle, these are spread like V and pointed to left. Move the hand a little to right (Pop.)

Fr. _nager_; Ger. _schwimmen_.

=Swimming=. Sign Water, then strike out with hands as in swimming.

Fr. _nageant_; Ger. _schwimmend_.

=Swoop.= See _Dive_.

T

=Table= (Flat top, square shape). Swing flat hands, palms down, as in _Broad_ turn sharply and draw both toward you; with a V hand on each side, strike down for legs, then sign _On_ and _Eat_. A description, not an established sign.

Fr. _la table_; Ger. _der Tisch_.

=Tail.= Right G hand, back up, at left side, pointing back and down.

Fr. _la queue_; Ger. _der Schwanz_.

=Take= or =Bring= (From some one else). Reach out the G hand, hook the index and draw it toward you, in and upward, as though pulling a string up and back. Compare _Steal_.

Fr. _prendre_ (_de quelqu’un_); Ger. _nehmen_ (_von Jemandem_).

=Take= (From oneself). The same, but point index toward body, hook it and draw away.

Fr. _prendre_ (_de soi-même_); Ger. _nehmen_ (_von sich selber_).

=Take from.= See _Subtract_.

=Talk= or =Say= (A little talk). Hold right hand under mouth, index and thumb tips together, pointing forward, and move slightly forward, snapping the index from behind the thumb two or three times. Compare _Called_, _Telltale_, _Speech_, _Bark_.

Fr. _parler_; Ger. _sprechen_.

=Talk, to me.= Make the same gesture as above, but point and draw the hand toward the cheek.

=Tall= or =High=. Move the flat right straight up to arm’s length, back out.

Fr. _grand_, _haut_; Ger. _hoch_, _grosz_.

=Tangle= or =Tangled=. Revolve the 5 hands, in and out, one about the other. Compare _Play_.

Fr. _embrouiller_; Ger. _verwirren_.

=Taste.= Join the first finger and thumb, rest their points on the lower lip and work the lips. Compare _Salt_, _Sugar_, _Sour_, and _Bitter_.

Fr. _goûter_; Ger. _schmecken_.

=Taste bad= (To taste and throw away). Sign _Taste_ and _Bad_. (Seger.)

Fr. _avoir un goût mauvais_; Ger. _schlecht schmecken_.

=Tattler.= See _Telltale_.

=Tattoo.= Tap the place with all five finger tips in a point.

Fr. _tatouer_; Ger. _tätowieren_.

=Tea= (Stirring it). Trace the rim of the left O hand with the thumb and finger tip of the right O hand, other fingers extended. (Sheeaka.) Compare _Stir_. Or sign _Leaf_, _Drink_.

Fr. _le thé_; Ger. _der Tee_.

=Teacher.= Sign _Writing_ and _Chief_. See also _Guide_.

Fr. _le professeur_; Ger. _der Lehrer_.

=Team.= Sign _Horse_, _Two_; with L hand indicate _Halter_ and add _Coat_ for _Harness_.

Fr. _l’attelage_; Ger. _das Gespann_.

=Teepee= or =Lodge=. Cross the tips of the G fingers held high. In _Tent_ they are not crossed.

Fr. _la loge (la hutte) des Indiens_; Ger. _die Indianerhütte_.

=Telegraph.= On forefinger of left G hand, palm up, tap with crooked forefinger of right hand, as though telegraphing; then shoot it along left forefinger and on in line. (Crow sign, La Forge.)

=Telegraph.= Sign _Wire_, then tap on it two or three times with right G and add _Talk_, shooting it far ahead.

Fr. _le télégraphe_; Ger. _der Telegraph_.

=Telephone.= Sign _Wire_; raise O hand to the ear like the receiver, then add _Talk_.

Fr. _le téléphone_; Ger. _der Fernsprecher_.

=Tell about.= See _Explain_ and _Speech_.

=Tell me.= See _Talk_ and _Speech_.

=Tell-tale=, =Tattling=, or =Tattle= (Magpie or Chatterer). Make a bill with forefinger and thumb; hold it at the mouth, pointing forward; open and shut it, but do not advance it. Note, it does not get anywhere; _Talk_ does.

Fr. _le rapporteur_; Ger. _der Ausplauderer_.

=Tenderfoot.= Make signs for _Scout_ and _Little_. (Scott.)

Fr. _le novice_; Ger. _der Neuling_.

=Tense=, of verbs, indicated by _Now_, _Time Back_, and _Future_, that is _Time Ahead_.

=Tent.= Like _Teepee_, but do not cross the fingers. Sometimes add _White Man_.

Fr. _la tente_; Ger. _das Zelt_.

=Than.= See _As_.

=Thank you=, or =Gratitude=. Raise the open right hand within a foot of the face, back down and to right; then carry it outward and downward toward person, bowing at same time (Pop). For this the Cheyennes use one hand as in _Gratitude_, which see. Sign _Give_, _Good_. (Blackfoot.)

Fr. _merci_, _je vous remercie_, _la gratitude_; Ger. _ich danke
dir_ (or _Ihnen_), _die Dankbarkeit_.

=That.= Point with right G at the person or thing. Compare _This_, _There_, and _Yonder_.

Fr. _ce ... là_; Ger. _der_, _jener_.

=That= or =Which=, relative pronoun (The one behind that). Left L hand pointing to right. Lay right forefinger on end of left, then turn it up and back to touch the thumb. (D)

Fr. _qui_, _que_, _lequel_; Ger. _welcher_.

=That place.= Hold out right G, back up, at arm’s length, face high, pointing forward; strike it down three or four times, chiefly by finger action. Compare _Then_ and _Here_.

Fr. _là_; Ger. _da_, _dort_.

=Theatre=. Sign _House_, _Look_, _Big_, _Many_. (Sheeaka.)

Fr. _le théâtre_; Ger. _das Theater_.

=Their=. See _Possession_.

=Then= (That time). Swing right G, point first, forward and down in an 18-inch curve. Compare _Yonder_ and _That place_.

Fr. _alors_; Ger. _damals_.

=There.= Simply point with middle finger, others closed, hand held breast high. Compare _Challenge_.

=Thick.= Hold out flat left, back to left, place right underneath palm up; clasp left with it, rub right fingers and thumb tips back and forth on the middle of the left hand in long, slow rubs. Compare _Meat_, _Thin_, _Oil_, and _Bacon_.

Fr. _épais_; Ger. _dick_.

=Thief.= Sign for the person and add _Steal_. (C)

Fr. _le voleur_; Ger. _der Dieb_.

=Thin= (Not thick). Like _Thick_, but rub lower edge and little finger of left with tips of right thumb and index finger united, others closed. Usually the little finger side is the _Edge_. Compare _Bacon_, in which all of the fingers are used; also, _Oil_, _Thick_, and _Meat_.

Fr. _mince_; Ger. _dünn_.

=Thin= or =Poor in flesh= (Flesh clawed off). Bring both 5 hands, backs forward, in front of breast and touching it. Move each to its side, curving the fingers more.

Fr. _maigre_; Ger. _mager_.

=Things.= The 5 hands similarly pointing forward, backs up, waist high, one at each side of the body; swing once or twice in small circles nearly vertical, but a little forward in the upper part.

Fr. _les choses_; Ger. _die Dinge_.

=Think= (Drawn from the heart). Lay right G on the heart, back up, and swing it outward ten inches and a little up.

Fr. _penser_; Ger. _denken_.

=Thinking.= See _Consider_.

=Thirst=, =Dry=, or =Drouth=. Sign _Want_ and _Drink_.

Fr. _la soif_; Ger. _der Durst_.

=This.= Hold flat left palm up near body and thrust right G down to it. For _These_ repeat it several times.

Fr. _ce ... ci_; Ger. _dieser_.

=Thought.= See _Idea_.

=Thousand.= Sign _Hundred_ and then _Ten times_. See _Numbers_.

Fr. _mille_; Ger. _tausend_.

=Thread.= Rub thumb and index together, as though twisting a thread, and sign _Sew_. Compare _Powder_.

Fr. _le fil_; Ger. _der Faden_.

=Threaten.= Shake clenched fist toward the person.

Fr. _menacer_; Ger. _drohen_.

=Through.= Push the right flat hand edgewise outward between the middle and third fingers of the left, which are held pointing upward. Compare _Between_.

Fr. _par_, _au travers de_; Ger. _durch_.

=Thunder.= Clap the hands loudly in front of face and add a rapid zigzag with the right G finger for _Lightning_.

Fr. _le tonnerre_; Ger. _der Donner_, _das Gewitter_.

=Thy= or =Thine=. Sign _You_. _Possess._

Fr. _ton_; Ger. _dein_.

=Ticket=. Hold out H left, back up; lay the right G across it at the middle knuckles; add _Writing_ and indicate _Railway_, _Theatre_, _Pawn_, etc., as needed.

Fr. _le billet_; Ger. _das Billett_.

=Till.= See _To_.

=Time= (Duration). Join the index finger and thumb of each hand at tips, other fingers closed; hold back of right hand to right, left to left, thumb tips touching; draw the hands apart, slowly and level. A little apart means _Little time_; a long way is _Long time_, etc. Sign _After, Little time_, for _Bye and bye_. So leaving the hands touching means _Now_; and _Time, Long, Behind_ means _Long time ago_. A much-used sign. See _Ago_ and _Past_.

Fr. _le temps_; Ger. _die Zeit_.

=Time afterward=, =After a little time=, =Bye and Bye=. Hold out the left G level, pointing forward, breast high; lay the right G on the back of the left, draw it back toward the wrist an inch. For _Time ahead_, sign _Time_ and _Ahead_, that is, hold up left G and swing right G parallel and far ahead in the same line. Or sometimes for _Time ahead_ or _Future_ give the _Time_ sign first given, but draw the right forefinger and thumb in an up and over curve far ahead, instead of to the right.

Fr. _plus tard_; Ger. _später_.

=Time= (Shadow around tree). Hold up left G, point right G at it and swing it around, finally touching it at top. (Sioux, Sheeaka.) This is used for exact point or date.

Fr. _l’époque_; Ger. _die Zeit_, _der Zeitpunkt_.

=Hour.= Indicate in the sky the position of the sun at that hour.

=Hour= (i.e., sixty minutes). Hold up the left hand with back toward
you, index and thumb joining in a complete vertical circle; with right
G on this as a pointer, move an inch and add _One_.

Fr. _l’heure_; Ger. _die Stunde_.

=Minute= or =Moment=. Hold the flat left hand pointed forward, thumb
up; lay the right G on it like a pointer and move it the least bit.
(Sheeaka.) The Cheyennes sign _Hour_ and _Small_. In giving _Time_ it
is safest to do it in railway style; that is, 45 minutes after 4 would
be 4 hours and 45 minutes; not a quarter before 5.

Fr. _la minute_; Ger. _die Minute_.

=Second.= Make the signs _Minute_ and _Very small_. (Sheeaka.)

Fr. _la seconde_; Ger. _die Sekunde_.

=Day= or =Light= (The opening up, as contrasted with _Night_, the
closing over). Hold out the level flat hands in the same horizontal
plane, backs up, pointing to front, a few inches apart. Swing them
upward apart to right and left, and then downward on a curve, turning
the palms up; ending when the hands are about opposite shoulders and a
little higher than at the start.

For the days of the week, see under _Sun_.

Sometimes “_one sun_” is “_one day_.”

For _To-day_ the sign for _Now_ is first made.

Fr. _le jour_; Ger. _der Tag_.

=Time of Day=, as morning, forenoon, noon, afternoon, etc. Point to the sun’s position in the sky at the time. See _Midnight_.

Fr. _l’heure du jour_; Ger. _die Tageszeit_.

=Week.= Sign _Suns_, _Seven_ (Sheeaka) or _One Medicine Day_. Compare
_Sunday_.

Fr. _la semaine_; Ger. _die Woche_.

=Month.= Crescent or Horns in the sky. See illustration in M.

Fr. _le mois_; Ger. _der Monat_.

=Seasons.= _Spring, Short grass_; _Summer, High grass_; _Autumn,
Falling leaf_; _Winter, Cold_ or _Snow_.

Fr. _les saisons_; Ger. _die Jahreszeiten_.

=Year.= Sign _One Cold_ (Cheyenne). Or better perhaps, though not
general, sign _Snow_, then swing the right G in a circle to left, down
and up on right, then again make _Snow_, meaning from snow around to
snow. (Sheeaka.) Sign _One Snow_ (Blackfoot).

Fr. _l’an_, _l’année_; Ger. _das Jahr_.

=Tired= or =Weary=. Hold out G hands, backs up, six inches apart, drop them and draw them to you a little. Sometimes used for _Quit_. See _Lazy_. Compare _Afraid_.

Fr. _fatigué_; Ger. _müde_.

=To=, =Till=, or =Until=. Hold the left G a little forward, palm to you; swing the right G upward till the forefingers meet at tip. (Sheeaka; probably borrowed from the Deaf.) Compare _Meet_.

Fr. _jusqu’à_; Ger. _bis_.

=Tobacco= (Ground in the palm). Hold flat left hand, back down, in front of body; grind on it the heel of closed right in small circles.

Fr. _le tabac_; Ger. _der Tabak_.

=To-day.= Sign _Day_ and _Now_.

Fr. _aujourd’hui_; Ger. _heute_.

=Together= or =Gather= (Gathered together). Press the palms of the flat hands together two or three times, swinging them apart and together once or twice, so the tips describe six-inch vertical circles going down on the outside and up on the inside of each. Note this also means _Gather_. See also _With_, _Meet_, and _Heap_.

=Tomahawk.= Hold the flat right hand in the hollow of the horizontal left arm (C). Compare _Baby_. Or sign _Axe_ and _Smoke_.

Fr. _le tomahawk_, _la hache de guerre des Indiens_; Ger. _die
Streitaxt der Indianer_.

=To-morrow.= Sign for _Another_ and _Sunrise_. Compare _Yesterday_.

Fr. _demain_; Ger. _morgen_.

=Too=, =Too much=. Sign _Enough_, but raise both hands at arm’s length above the head. (Scott.) Sometimes use _Heap_. See also _Excessive_, _Ahead_, and _Over_.

Fr. _trop_; Ger. _zu viel_.

=Too= or =Also=. Sign _Equal_, _With_, or _And_.

Fr. _aussi_; Ger. _auch_.

=Touch.= See _Feel_.

=Town.= Sign _House_; then, keeping the flat hands at same angle, swing them wide apart, keeping left near body, right far away. Add _White Man_ if needed.

Fr. _la ville_; Ger. _die Stadt_.

=Track= or =Trail=; i.e., to follow by _Trail_. Sign _Walk_ and point to the ground with right G; move it forward in a sinuous course. Sometimes add _Look_.

Fr. _tracer_; Ger. _aufspüren_.

=Trade=, =Exchange=, =Swap=, =Bargain=, =Buy=, or =Sell=. Hold G hands pointing up, one at each shoulder; move them together in a down curve till wrists are crossed. See _Avoid_.

Fr. _trafiquer_, _troquer_, _faire le commerce_; Ger. _tauschen_,
_handeln_, _Handel treiben_.

=Trail= (A road). See _Way_.

=Train.= See _Railroad_.

=Trap= or =To trap=. Make a large level circle of forefingers and thumbs for the trap; then snap these up together, index alongside index, thumb alongside thumb to indicate the closing.

Fr. _le piège_, _prendre au piège_; Ger. _die Falle_, _mit der Falle
fangen_.

=Travel.= Hold out the 5 hands, palm to palm, but left a foot advanced and six inches higher, both of them vibrated up and down. This means _Keep on Going_. See _Work_, _Go_, and _Walk_.

Fr. _voyager_; Ger. _reisen_.

=Treaty.= Sign _Shake Hands_ and _Write_; that is, write with right index on flat left palm.

Fr. _le traité_; Ger. _der Vertrag_.

=Tree.= Hold right forearm upright in front of shoulder, fingers straight, spread upward. For plural use both hands. For _Forest_, hold left outside and touching right; draw right near body and push left far away. See _Forest_.

Fr. _l’arbre_; Ger. _der Baum_.

=Tribe= or =Troop=. See _Bunch_.

=Triumph.= Wave one hand in circle above the head as swinging a flag. At a distance, wave a hat, coat, or blanket.

Fr. _le triomphe_; Ger. _der Triumph_.

=Troop= or =Tribe=. See _Bunch_.

=Trot.= Indicate the kind of animal, then with S hands, backs up, indicate movement of feet as in trotting. (C)

Fr. _le trot_, _trotter_; Ger. _der Trott_, _traben_.

=Trouble= or =Perplexity=. See _Consider_, _Doubt_, _Sorry_, and _Sorrow_.

Fr. _le trouble_, _la perplexité_; Ger. _die Sorge_, _die Bestürzung._

=True=, =Truth=, =Certain=, =Sure=, =Straight= (One straight trail). The G forefinger pointing straight forward under the chin, then moved forward with an upward curve. Compare _Honest_.

Fr. _vrai_, _la vérité_; Ger. _wahr_, _die Wahrheit_.

=Try= or =Attempt=. Sign _Work_ and _Begin_.

Fr. _essayer_; Ger. _versuchen_.

=Turkey=. Sign _Bird_; then indicate _Beard_ with compressed right hand under the chin, pointed down and shaken. (C)

=Turkey=. Sign _Bird_; then hold right G at forehead, back up, curved, pointed down, and drop it past the nose down below chin.

Fr. _le dindon_; Ger. _der Truthahn_, _der Puter_.

=Turkish Bath.= See _Sweat Lodge_.

=Turn him down= or =Thumbs down=. This dates from the Roman arena. Right arm at full length, fingers closed, thumb extended and pointing downward; meaning “Kill him” or “it.” See _Knife_.

=Turn into.= See _Grow_.

=Turn loose.= See _Free_ and _Pardon_.

=Turtle= or =Tortoise=. Hold right hand low, back up, flat, but fingers bent back on palm; push it forward, giving it by wrist action a serpentine course. See _Fog_.

Fr. _la tortue_; Ger. _die Schildkröte_.

=Twice.= See _Once_.

=Twinkle.= Sign _Star_ and _Talk_.

Fr. _étinceler_; Ger. _funkeln_.

=Twins.= Lay V fingers, palm in, on abdomen and add _Born_.

Fr. _les jumeaux_; Ger. _die Zwillinge_.

=Typewrite.= Sign _Write_; then with both hands strike here and there at keys.

Fr. _écrire à la machine_, _dactylographier_; Ger. _mit der
Schreibmaschine schreiben_.

U

=Ugly.= Sign _Face_; i.e., swing the right 5 hand in a circle near the face, and add _Bad_.

Fr. _laid_; Ger. _häszlich_.

=Unable.= See _Can’t_.

=Uncertain.= Sign _Perhaps_, _Know_, and _Not_.

Fr. _incertain_; Ger. _unbestimmt_.

=Uncle.= Sign _Father_ (or _Mother_) and _Brother_.

Fr. _l’oncle_; Ger. _der Onkel_.

=Undecided.= Bow the head forward, resting the right G on the lips. See also _Thinking_ and _If_.

Fr. _en doute_; Ger. _unschlüssig_.

=Under.= See _Below_.

=Understand.= See _Know_; also, _Keep_.

=Unfair.= See _Excessive_.

=United.= Sign _Alliance_ or _With_.

Fr. _uni_; Ger. _vereinigt_.

=United States of America.= There is no well-established sign, but the Indian of a hundred years ago referred to the United States as the “Thirteen Fires,” i.e., Council Fires. So that _Thirteen_ and _Fires_ would answer. The Blackfeet indicate the Boundary Line running east and west, then all south of it.

So, also, for the individual States, in the absence of established signs, we may use their nicknames. These, however, are mere suggestions.

Fr. _les États-Unis d’Amérique_; Ger. _die Vereinigten Staaten von
Nordamerika_.

=Alabama= (Cotton State). _Country_ and _Cotton_. The latter by
pointing to something by cotton.

=Arizona= (Cactus State). _Country_, _Trees_, and _Sharp_, as in
_Porcupine_.

=Arkansas= (Bear State). _Country_ and _Bear Black_, to distinguish
from _Russia_.

=California= (Golden State). _Country_ and _Gold_; for gold pinch the
lobe of the ear, or point to any gold or yellow thing in sight; if it
is near, take an imaginary pinch of it, to exclude the object that is
made of it.

=Colorado= (Centennial State). _Country_ and _100 Years_ or _Snows_.

=Connecticut= (Nutmeg State). _Country_, _Fruit_, and _Hard_.

=Dakota, North= (Flickertail State). _Country_ and holding G hand,
palm up, wag the index to express the tail of the Flickertail gopher.

=Dakota, South= (Coyote State). _Country_ and _Small Wolf_.

=Delaware= (Diamond State). _Country_ and, for _Diamond_, place the
right thumb and index on an imaginary stone on ring finger of left;
then add _Twinkle_.

=Florida= (Peninsular State). _Country_ and _Water_. The half into the
left C hand, held level and facing the right, lay the right N fingers,
backs up.

=Georgia= (Cracker State). _Country_, _Corn_, and _Grind_, as in
_Coffee_. The Crackers were so called because of their cracked corn
diet.

=Idaho= (Land of the Shoshoni). _Country_ and _Snake_.

=Illinois= (Prairie State). _Country_ and _Prairie_.

=Indiana= (Hoosier State). _Country_ and _Who is here?_

=Iowa= (Hawkeye State). _Country_, _Hawk_, and _Eye_.

=Kansas= (Sunflower State). _Country_, _Flower_, and _Sun_.

=Kentucky= (Blue Grass State). _Country_, _Grass_, and _Blue_.

=Louisiana= (Pelican State). _Country_, _Bird_, _Long bill_; and with
index show outline of the pouch.

=Maine= (Pine Tree State). _Country_ and _Tree_.

=Maryland= (Terrapin State). _Country_ and _Turtle_.

=Massachusetts= (Bay State). _Country_ and _Bay_.

=Michigan= (Wolverine State). _Country_ and _Wolverine_ or
_Bushy-tailed Bear_. Indicate _Bear_, then _Tail_ and _Bushy_.

=Minnesota= (Gopher State). _Country_ and _Small Striped Animal_. With
compressed right hand, back up, indicate a small animal; then draw the
fingers of left 4 hand along it for stripes.

=Mississippi= (Bayou State). _Country_, _Bay_, and _Trees_.

=Missouri= (Banner State). _Country_ and _Flag_. Or else, “_Show me
State_,” thus, with flat right hand shade right eye, knit brows, look
here and there.

=Montana= (Land of the Blackfeet.) _Country_ and _Blackfeet_.

=Nebraska= (Shallow River). _Country_, _River_, _Broad_, and _Low_. Or
_Pawneeland_, _Country_, and _Wolf_, which is the Pawnee sign.

=Nevada= (Silver State). Sign _Country_, _Metal_, and _White_; bring
right hand hollow under left and shake as though jingling coins.

=New Hampshire= (Granite State). _Country_ and signs for _Hard_ and
_Very_.

=New Jersey= (Blue State). _Country_, _Color_, and _Blue_.

=New Mexico= (Sunshine State). Make sign for _Country_ and _Sun_.

=New York= (Empire State). _Country_ and _Crowned_, which is indicated
by placing both 5 hands on the sides of the head like the feathers in
a war-bonnet.

=North Carolina= (Tar Heel State). _Country_, _Heel_, and _Black_.

=Ohio= (Buckeye State). _Country_, _Deer_, and _Eye_.

=Oklahoma= (Sooners State). _Country_ and _Soon_, or else _Country_
and _Kiowa_.

=Oregon= (Beaver State). _Country_ and _Beaver_.

=Pennsylvania= (Keystone State). _Country_ and _Keystone_, thus: Hold
up right hand, fingers out, pointing up, a space between the ring and
middle fingers only; hold all fingers of left hand extended and join
at tips to form a wedge; put this wedge in the opening between the
fingers of the right hand.

=Rhode Island= (Little State). _Country_ and _Very Small_.