How to Sign “Old” in ASL: Baby Sign Language Guide

Learning how to sign old in ASL gives your child a way to communicate before words arrive. “Old” explains grandparents, dinosaurs, and ancient things all at once. A fist strokes down from the chin, miming an old man’s beard. Most toddlers manage it between 18 and 24 months.

How to Sign “Old” in ASL

ASL sign for old, step 1: fist at the chin, like grabbing a beard
ASL sign for old, step 2: fist pulled downward from the chin

Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

  1. Make the handshape: Close your hand into a soft fist.
  2. Hold at the chin: Place the fist just under your chin, knuckles down.
  3. Stroke downward: Pull the fist straight down, as if stroking a long beard.

Think of it as a mime of a long white beard. The longer the pull, the older the referent feels.

Step-by-Step Photos

ASL sign for old, step 1: fist at the chin, like grabbing a beard
Step 1: Make a fist and hold it under your chin.
ASL sign for old, step 2: fist pulled downward from the chin
Step 2: Pull the fist downward, as if stroking a long beard.

Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

When to Use It With Your Child

  • Photos and family: “Look at grandpa — he is old!” with warm eyes.
  • Dinosaurs: Toddlers love the concept of very very old.
  • Books about time: “This tree is old.”

Tips for Success

  • Pair with “new” (a flat hand brushing back on the palm) for the contrast.
  • A simple chin-to-chest pull works for small hands.
  • Keep it fun, not negative — “old” is neutral in ASL.

Signs Related to “Old”

“New” (a flat hand brushing the palm) and “young” (fingertips brushing up the chest) complete the age spectrum.

Time concepts develop between 18 and 30 months; “old” and “new” are the first temporal adjectives many toddlers acquire.

More ASL Signs to Learn

Learn more: National Association of the Deaf — ASL resources and advocacy from the National Association of the Deaf.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start teaching my baby how to sign old in ASL?

You can introduce the sign for old as early as 18–24 months. Babies understand signs before they can produce them, so start modeling it consistently and reward any attempt — even an approximation — with the item or action right away.

How long does it take for a baby to learn to sign old?

Most babies begin producing a recognizable version of the sign for old within two to four weeks of consistent daily modeling. Frequency matters more than perfect form at this stage — sign it every time the word comes up naturally in your routine.

Is the ASL sign for old the same in baby sign language programs?

Yes. Most baby sign language programs teach the authentic ASL sign for old. Using real ASL rather than invented gestures means your child’s signs will be understood by Deaf signers and build a foundation for learning more ASL as they grow.