Question about this shirt

[HWB3]

I noticed this shirt online but do not recognize the second hand as the letter t. Is this an ironic mistake or am I missing something? New to ASL so wondering what the designer intended. See attached image from Amazon. Thanks in advance!

[Richard Andrews]

I think the designer cleverly used erroneous shapes since the message is Don't Trust Anybody (even the shirt designer).

:-) 

[Michael - Able Lingo ASL]

❤️ I have a feeling that someone asked Ai to create an image for a t-shirt with a sign language theme. Ai created an image and the individual just used the image without double checking if it actually makes sense. Haha

👉 Another option is that it might actually make sense to the actual creator of the shirt. Sign language isn't universal in every country. Heck, even handshapes aren't universal in every country.

For example, the "T" sign in ASL is a vulgar insult in countries like Russia and Indonesia.

Here's what Ai has to say about it:

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Handshapes can carry dramatically different meanings across cultures. The ASL sign for the letter T involves the thumb tucked between the index and middle fingers. In American Sign Language, it's simply a letter. But in Russian culture, that same gesture is known as the fig sign (called кукиш or шиш in Russian), and it’s considered rude or dismissive.

🇷🇺 Russian Meaning of the ASL "T" Handshape

- Gesture: Thumb tucked between index and middle fingers
- Russian term: Kukish or Shish
- Meaning: A vulgar refusal, equivalent to “You’re not getting anything” or “No way”
- Context: Used to deny a request, mock someone, or express defiance. Historically, it was even used to ward off evil spirits or bad luck.

So while ASL uses it neutrally for spelling, in Russia it’s a culturally loaded gesture. Definitely one to avoid flashing casually in Russian-speaking regions.

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❤️ Wow! Ward off evil spirits! haha Fascinating stuff. Have a beautiful day everyone! 👍

 

Edited September 25, 2025 by Michael Honkanen