ASL
/ˌeɪ.ɛsˈɛl/noun
An initialism commonly meaning American Sign Language, a visual language used primarily by Deaf communities in the United States and parts of Canada.
Did you know?American Sign Language is not derived from English; it developed largely from French Sign Language and Indigenous signing traditions, making it a distinct language rather than a code.
Etymological Timeline
Early 19th Century
English
American School for the Deaf
“The first permanent school for Deaf students in the United States, founded in Hartford in 1817 and central to the development of American Sign Language.”
1817
English
American Sign Language
“The descriptive name for the visual language emerging among Deaf communities in the United States.”
19th Century
English
American Sign Language
“A distinct language shaped by French Sign Language, local sign systems, and community use.”
20th Century
English
ASL
“An initialism formed from the phrase American Sign Language.”
Modern English
English
ASL
“The standard abbreviation for American Sign Language; in digital slang, it can also mean “as hell” or “age, sex, location,” depending on context.”