ASL (Amy's Sign Language)

Since today is my sister Amy's birthday, I thought I'd celebrate by teaching you the hand signals that go along with Amy's ordering in a restaurant. That way, if you ever get the chance to go out to dinner with her, you won't feel like you're in a foreign country and don't know the language.

First, we have "side of". This is a classic, usually used while asking for guacamole or sour cream. The hand signal is specific; you'll note that the size depicted by the hand signal is much larger than a ramekin, and you should also note that the signal has to move sharply in a downward motion three times. This turns this hand signal into a hypnosis technique, whereby the waiter realizes he/she should bring Amy a soup bowl of guacamole, while still charging her for just a ramekin of guacamole. Trust me, it works. I've seen many a server fall prey to it...




The next signal is called "one shot, tall glass". Amy uses this to insure that servers understand that she wants one shot served in a tall glass. You might say to yourself "wow, isn't that obvious just by saying it?" Apparently you've never tried to order something different at a Chili's restaurant from a 16 year old server. They need all the clarification you can give them. (you all know you've seen her do this, don't even lie...)




This one is fun, it's called "two". This is used when Amy wants two of something. Normally it's something that servers don't usually bring two of (i.e. baskets of chips, Diet Pepsis for one person, etc) so, again, clarification is necessary. *You need to note the dramatic forward thrust of the "two". That part is essential, it won't work otherwise.




While this one isn't restaurant specific, it's important to note. It's called "nose itch". I mention it because when you see it you might think, knowing that Amy gives many odd hand signals in restaurants, that it means something else. It doesn't. It just means her nose itches.




Sometimes Amy tells the server to tell the cook something. This hand signal is called, "tell the cook to...", and is usually followed by "make it really hot", "make it really crispy", or "we're in a big hurry".




When the server is particularly slow and Amy's ready for her check or a refill, this one will show itself. It's called "where's the waiter". I'm probably not doing it fast enough, Amy's got more wrist strength from years of perfecting this signal.





And now for some real fun!!! Let's put some of these together! Here is "two sides of":




And here's "two shots in a tall glass":




And my personal favorite, "two shots in a tall glass with a side of something really hot, my nose itches"!!!!!!




And last but certainly not least, we have "the industry". Amy's been working in the food service industry for many many years now, and it's one of her favorite topics to talk about. When discussing the ins and outs of food service, she always uses this hand signal and says "the industry". It's become a family joke, we all use this when we talk about our jobs.



So there you have it. I expect you all to make Amy proud on her birthday, practice these hand signals, and be fluent in ASL the next time I see you out at a restaurant.