It’s possible with just learning the signs in the mime dictionary, you can build a substantial sign vocabulary. Listed below are all of the English equivalents of the signs In the Mime Dictionary, as well as the possible synonyms offered on the note pages under each mime which were offered for consideration to expand your ability to use simultaneous communication. The synonyms are noted with an asterisk. Please keep in mind that as your signing knowledge increases you may choose a different sign, that is not a mime, to express your communication. Also keep in mind that you want to use the words below conceptually accurately – what they visually mean in sign matches the meaning of the English word.
When learning sign, we go through stages. We may start off with making signs very large, use the wrong handshapes, and have our palms (sign orientation) facing the wrong direction. We may need to look up a sign again and again before it becomes part of our working sign vocabulary. It takes time and it also takes effort to study and review again and again.
You can use this listing as a worksheet. Go through the list and see if you know the sign. If you know the sign and can produce it again and again as the weeks go on, then you will know it is part of your sign vocabulary.
Each time you need to look up the sign, place a checkmark. The absence as well as the number of checkmarks will help you focus your studies.
Download the full list here:
Mime Sign Dictionary Simultaneous Communication Vocabulary Building
A
- Abhor
- About
- Acclaim* (Applaud)
- Acclamation* (Compliment)
- Accolade* (Applaud)
- Accordion
- Achoo! * (Sneeze)
- Addicted
- Addiction
- Adding machine* (Calculator)
- Admonish
- Affection
- Affectionate
- Agitate* (Shake)
- Alas!
- All the Best! * (Good luck)
- Alleged* (So-called)
- Alligator
- Ambition* (Eager)
- Anti-
- Antiperspirant* (Deodorant)
- Anxiety
- Anxious
- Ape
- Apostrophe
- Applaud
- Applause
- Apprehension* (Anxiety)
- Approximate
- Approximately
- Apron
- Archery
- Aroma* (Fragrance)
- Around
- Arrow
- Ascend (with hands) * (Climb)
- Aside
- Ask
- Aspiration
- Aspire
- Auction
- Author (as in penning) * (Write)
- Auto* (Car)
- Automatic Gun* (Machine Gun)
- Automobile
- Avoid
- Away!
B
- Babe* (Baby)
- Baby
- Back away* (Recoil)
- Back out
- Bag (suitcase/handbag) * (Luggage)
- Banana
- Banjo
- Bash (as in mash) * (Mash)
- Barrette
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Batter
- Batting* (Baseball)
- Be Quiet
- Beast* (Monster)
- Beat
- Beckon
- Bed
- Bend* (Bow)
- Berate* (Admonish)
- Beseech (as in a prayer) * (Pray)
- Best of Luck!* (Good luck)
- Bicycle
- Bid
- Bike
- Billiards
- Biscuit
- Blend
- Blow-dry
- Blow-dryer
- Blow Nose
- Boo! (as in disapproval) * (Veto)
- Book
- Booze* (Cocktail/drink)
- Bow
- Bow down* (Bow)
- Bowl
- Bowling
- Box
- Boxing
- Brainless* (Dumb)
- Bravo* (Congratulations)
- Break
- Break Apart* (Break)
- Break Time* (Time Out)
- Break up Ground* (Dig)
- Bride
- Bridesmaid
- Briefcase* (Suitcase)
- Bristles*(Paintbrush)
- Brolly* (Umbrella)
- Broom
- Brownies
- Brush (as in hairbrush)
- Brush (as in paintbrush)
- Brush Hair
- Brush Teeth* (Toothbrush)
- Buckle
- Butterflies (as in jittery) * (Anxiety)
- Bye
- Bye-bye* (Goodbye)
C
- Calculator
- Call (as in telephone)
- Call (as in call out loud)
- Call Out
- Calm
- Calm Down
- Camera
- Can Opener
- Can’t stand* (Abhor)
- Cannabis* (Marijuana)
- Canine* (Dog)
- Canteen
- Cap
- Car
- Cards
- Cart
- Case (as in a subject/topic) * (Issue)
- Cast
- Castigate* (Admonish)
- Catch
- Chastise* (Admonish)
- Cheerio* (Goodbye)
- Chide* (Admonish)
- Chill/Chill Out* (idiomatic) (Calm)
- Chimpanzee* (Monkey)
- Choke
- Chop (as in a karate chop) * (Hack)
- Chopper (as in motorcycle) * (Motorcycle)
- Cite* (Quote)
- Clam
- Clap
- Clarinet
- Clasp (as in buckle) * (Buckle)
- Clasp (as in embrace)* (Embrace)
- Clasp (as in grab) * (Grab)
- Climb with hands
- Clippers (as in nail clippers)
- Clippers (as in scissors) * (Scissors)
- Clobber (pound)* (Pound)
- Close to* (Approximate)
- Clutch* (Grab)
- Cocktail
- Cold (as in chilly)
- Cold (as in head cold)
- Cologne
- Comb
- Combative* (Anti-)
- Come In (as in come and enter)
- Come On (as in come along with me)
- Come On (as to beckon)
- Comma
- Commend* (Compliment)
- Complex
- Complicate
- Compliment
- Compose (as in write) * (Write)
- Concertina* (accordion)
- Cone (as in ice cream) * (Ice Cream)
- Confound* (Confuse)
- Confuse
- Congrats* (Congratulations)
- Congratulate
- Congratulations
- Contact Lens
- Cookie
- Corn
- Corn on the Cob* (Corn)
- Cosmetics
- Cover One’s Mouth
- Covet* (Envy)
- Covetous*
- Craps* (Dice)
- Crazy
- Crazy About
- Cream* (Lotion)
- Creepy (as in scary) * (Spooky)
- Crochet
- Crocodile* (Alligator)
- Crush (as in mash something) * (Mash)
- Cry Out
- Cub Scout
- Cut (as in a snipping something) * (Snip)
- Cyborg* (Robot)
- Cycle (as in bike) * (Bicycle)
- Cymbal
D
- Dang! * (Darn)
- Darn!
- Deal (as in distribute)
- Dealing Cards* (Cards)
- Decline
- Defensive
- Defiant* (Anti-)
- Demonstrate (as in protest) * (Picket)
- Dental Rinse* (Mouthwash)
- Denture Pic/Pick* (Toothpick)
- Dentures
- Deodorant (aerosol)
- Deodorant (roll on)
- Dependent on (as in addiction) * (Addiction)
- Detest* (Abhor)
- Dice
- Dig
- Digs! (slang)* (Fond of)
- Dinghy* (Rowboat)
- Disappear! (as in get lost!) * (Get/go away!)
- Disarrangement (as in messed up) *(Disorder)
- Disc (as in an object to throw) * (Frisbee)
- Discard* (Cast)
- Dish out (as in distribute) * (Distribute)
- Discharge (as in a gun) * (Fire)
- Dismantle* (Break)
- Disquietude* (Anxiety)
- Distress* (Anxiety)
- Distribute
- Dog
- Doggone! * (Darn)
- Doggy* (Dog)
- Dole out* (Distribute)
- Don’t Bother! * (Never Mind)
- Doodle* (Scribble)
- Dopey (slang)* (Dumb)
- Drink (as in cocktail)
- Drink (non-alcoholic)
- Dump (as in throw)
- Dust (as in sprinkling a powder) * (Seasoning)
- Drat!
- Draw Up* (Write)
- Drive
- Drop a line* (Write)
- Drum
- Dry hair* (Blow-dry)
- Dumb
E
- Eager
- Ear of Corn* (Corn)
- Earbuds
- Earmuffs* (Earphones)
- Earphones
- Eau de Cologne* (Cologne)
- Eau de Toilette* (Cologne)
- Edit
- Eh! (slang)* (Huh)
- Eject* (Get out)
- Elevate* (Lift)
- Embrace
- Embroidery* (Needlework)
- Enthusiastic
- Envy
- Envious
- Epaulet* (Shoulder Pad)
- Erase
- Essence* (Scent)
- Exercise (as in physical exercise)
- Eyelashes
F
- Fair
- False Teeth
- Farewell
- Fasten (as in buckle) * (Buckle)
- Fasten (as with a tack) * (Pin)
- Faucet
- Felicitations! (Congratulations)
- Fencing
- Fervency* (Eager)
- Fervor* (Eager)
- Fiddle
- Field glasses* (Binoculars)
- Fight (as in a physical fight)
- Fight against (as in resist) * (Resist)
- Fill (as in fill a cup)
- Fire (as in shoot gun)
- Firearm* (Gun)
- Fistfight* (Boxing)
- Fling (as in toss) * (Cast)
- Floss
- Flute
- Flutter (as in vibration) * (Vibrate)
- Flying disc* (Frisbee)
- Fold in* (Stir)
- Fond of
- Foreboding* (Anxiety)
- Forget It! * (Never Mind)
- Foul Odor* (Stink)
- Fragrance (as in cologne) * (Cologne)
- Fragrance (as in smell)
- Freezing* (Cold)
- Frigid
- Frisbee
- Fume
- Fuse* (as in mixed together) (Mix)
G
- Gag* (Choke)
- Gamble
- Gape* (Yawn)
- Garble* (Blend)
- Gator* (Alligator)
- Gees! * (Darn)
- Get/go away!
- Get going!* (Get/go away!)
- Get Out
- Ghostly (as in scary) * (Spooky)
- Give a ring (as in a phone call) * (Telephone)
- Give out * (Distribute)
- Go for it! * (Good luck)
- Go to pieces (as in breaking up something) *(Break)
- Golf
- Good Luck
- Goodbye
- Gorilla
- Gosh-darn! * (Darn)
- Grab
- Grace (a prayer) * (Prayer)
- Grasp
- Grass (as in marijuana) * (Marijuana)
- Greetings! * (Hello)
- Grip* (Grab)
- Groom (as in brush) * (Brush)
- Guitar
H
- Hack
- Hail
- Hair Bar* (Barrette)
- Hair Clasp* (Barrette)
- Hair Pin* (Barrette)
- Hair Trimmed* (Haircut)
- Haircut
- Hairdryer
- Hairspray
- Hamburger
- Hammer
- Hand Lotion
- Hand Sanitizer
- Handbag
- Handcart* (Cart)
- Handgun
- Handout* (Distribute)
- Handshake
- Hang Up the Phone
- Harmonica
- Harp
- Hash (as in marijuana) * (Marijuana)
- Haunt
- Hat* (Cap)
- Hawaii
- Head cold
- Headphones
- Hear* (Listen)
- Hello
- Hemp* (Marijuana)
- Hesitate
- Hey!
- Hi!
- Highs and Lows* (Ups and Downs)
- Hightail It* (Eject)
- Hit
- Hit the Road (idiomatic) * (Get/go away!)
- Hitchhike
- Hiya! * (Hi)
- Hog (as in motorcycle) * (Motorcycle)
- Holler
- Hooked on
- Hoops (slang)* (Basketball)
- Hose (as in stockings) * (Pantyhose)
- Howdy! * (Hello)
- Hood
- Hoodie* (Hood)
- Hooray! * (Rally)
- Hoot* (Cry out)
- Howl* (Cry out)
- Hug
- Huh
- Hurrah!
- Hurl* (Cast)
- Hush! * (Shhh)
- Hypodermic
I
- Ice Cream
- Immune
- Inaugural
- Inauguration
- Indifferent* (Fair)
- Infant
- Inhale* (Sniff)
- Inhaler
- Inject (as in a shot)
- Inquire* (Ask)
- Insane* (Crazy)
- Intermingle* (Confuse)
- Intermix* (Confuse)
- Invocation* (Prayer)
- Irritate
- Irritation* (Itch)
- Iron
- Issue
- Itch
- Itchy
J
- Jab
- Jerk (as in yank) * (Yank)
- Jittery* (Anxiety)
- Jog
- Joint (as in marijuana) * (Marijuana)
- Jot* (Scribble)
- Juggle
- Jump Rope
K
- Kangaroo
- Karate
- Keep back away from* (Avoid)
- Keep cool (idiomatic) * (Calm)
- Key
- Knob
- Knock
- Knot
- Kooky* (Crazy)
- Kudos* (Congratulations)
L
- Lackluster* (Fair)
- Ladder
- Lance* (Spear)
- Lap Belt* (Buckle)
- Lasso/lassoing* (Rodeo)
- Launch (as in throw) * (Cast)
- Lecture* (Scold)
- Let’s Go (as in come along with me) * (Come on)
- Libation* (Cocktail/drink)
- Lift
- Like
- Listen
- Little one* (Baby)
- Load (as in pack) * (Pack)
- Loathe
- Lollipop
- Loosen Up* (Relax)
- Lotion
- Love* (Affection)
- Luggage
M
- Machine Gun
- Make -up
- Makeup
- Manicure
- Marijuana
- Marimba* (Xylophone)
- Marionette
- Mascara
- Mash
- Matter (as in an issue) * (Issue)
- Mediocre* (Fair)
- Mic* (Microphone)
- Microphone
- Microscope
- Milk
- Mike* (Microphone)
- Mix (as in a recipe)
- Mix (as in confuse)
- Mixed Greens* (Salad)
- Mixture (as in a recipe) * (Stir)
- Monkey
- Monster
- Mop
- Moronic* (Dumb)
- Motion (as in signaling someone to approach) * (Beckon)
- Motivation
- Motive
- Motor car* (Car)
- Motor vehicle* (Car)
- Motorcycle
- Mouthwash
- Muddle* (Confuse)
- Muffle
- Musical Keyboard* (Piano)
- Mutt* (Dog)
N
- Nail Clippers
- Napkin
- Needle work
- Nervous
- Never Mind
- Newborn* (Baby)
- Nightcap* (Cocktail/drink)
- Nonsensical* (Dumb)
- Note (as in penning a note) * (Write)
- Nudge
- Nuts (slang)
- Nutty (slang)* (Crazy)
- Nylons* (Pantyhose)
O
- Oars* (Row)
- Oath
- Odor
- Official (as a person officiating a game) * (Referee)
- Open Fire* (Shoot)
- Oppositional* (Anti-)
- Organ
- Out to lunch! (idiomatic)* (Crazy)
- Ovation* (Applaud)
P
- Pack
- Paddle/paddling* (Canoe)
- Paintbrush
- Panties
- Pantyhose
- Parasol* (Umbrella)
- Pare
- Pass (as in throw a ball)
- Pass Out
- Passion* (Affection)
- Pat
- Patty (as in a hamburger) * (Hamburger)
- Pause* (Hesitate)
- Pedal
- Peek
- Peel
- Peephole* (Peek)
- Pen* (Write)
- Penguin
- Perfume
- Petition (as in a prayer) * (Prayer)
- Phone
- Phone call* (Telephone)
- Photograph* (Camera)
- Piano
- Picket
- Piece (as in a gun) * (Gun)
- Pin
- Pinch
- Ping Pong
- Pistol
- Pitch (as in throw)
- Pitch – as in throw a ball
- Play cards
- Pledge (as in an oath)
- Pocketbook* (Handbag)
- Poke* (Jab)
- Poncho
- Pooch* (Dog)
- Pool
- Pot (as in marijuana)
- Pound
- Pour
- Powder
- Praise* (Compliment)
- Pray
- Prayer
- Press (as in iron) * (Iron)
- Prod* (Nudge)
- Protest
- Psyched* (Eager)
- Puffing (as in smoking) * (Smoking a Cigarette)
- Pull Apart (as in rip) * (Tear)
- Pull back* (Recoil)
- Pulsate* (Vibrate)
- Punch
- Punches* (Boxing)
- Puppet
- Purse
- Push (as in nudge)
- Push (as in shove) * (Shove)
- Push/put out of the way* (Put aside)
- Pushcart* (Cart)
- Pushpin
- Put aside
- Put away
- Putt
Q
- Quiet
- Quotation
- Quote
R
- Raise (as in lift)
- Raise One’s Hand
- Rake over the coals* (Admonish)
- Rally
- Rap (as in on a door) * (Knock)
- Rats! (slang)* (Darn)
- Rattle (as in shake) * (Shake)
- Rebuke
- Recoil
- Recruit (as in beckoning someone)
- Referee
- Refreshment (drink, non-alcoholic) * (Drink)
- Reject
- Relax
- Reluctant* (Hesitate)
- Remote* (Remote Control)
- Remote Control
- Request
- Reprimand
- Resist
- Retainer (as in a dental retainer) * (Dentures)
- Retreat* (Recoil)
- Reverberate* (Vibrate)
- Reverence* (Hail)
- Revoke
- Revolver* (Gun)
- Ride a bicycle
- Ring (as in give a phone call) * (Telephone)
- Rip
- Rip Up* (Tear)
- Robot
- Rod (as in a gun) * (Gun)
- Rodeo
- Rolling Pin
- Roughly* (Approximate)
- Round Up* (Rally)
- Row (as in oaring)
- Rowboat
- Run (as in jogging) * (Jog)
S
- Sack (slang)* (Bed)
- Salad
- Salut! *(Hello)
- Salute (as in a hello salute)
- Salute (military salute)
- Salve* (Lotion)
- Satchel* (Suitcase)
- Saw (as in a tool)
- Scat! * (Get/go away!)
- Scent
- Scissors
- Scold
- Scoop
- Scoopful* (Scoop)
- Scope* (Microscope)
- Scout* (Cub Scouts)
- Scow* (Rowboat)
- Scram! * (Get/go away!)
- Scramble (as in confuse)
- Scramble (as in a recipe) (Stir)
- Scrape (as in pare) * (Pare)
- Scrawl* (Scribble)
- Scream* (Cry out)
- Screwy (slang)* (Crazy)
- Scribble
- Season (as in season meat)
- Seasoning
- Seat belt
- Serviette* (Napkin)
- Serving Platter* (Tray)
- Serving Tray* (Tray)
- Sever* (Snip)
- Sew
- Shake (as in shake someone)
- Shaking (as in trembling) * (Shudder)
- Shake Hands* (Handshake)
- Shame
- Shame on You!
- Shampoo
- Shave (as in pare)* (Pare)
- Shears
- Shhhh!
- Shiver
- Shoo!
- Shoot! (as in darn)
- Shoot (as in shoot gun)
- Shoot dice* (Dice)
- Shoot down (as in veto) * (Veto)
- Shot (as in a cocktail) * (Cocktail/drink)
- Shot (as in an injection)
- Shoulder Pad
- Shout* (Cry out)
- Shove
- Shovel
- Shred (as in rip) * (Tear)
- Shrug
- Shucks! * (Darn)
- Shudder
- Shuffle (as in cards)
- Shush* (Shhhh)
- Shy Away* (Hesitate)
- Signal* (beckon)
- Simmer down (idiomatic) * (Calm)
- Simpleminded* (Dumb)
- Sip* (Drink)
- Slap
- Slot Machine
- Slugfest* (Boxing)
- Smash
- Smell (as in aroma)
- Smell (as in sniffing) * (Sniff)
- Smoking* (Smoking a Cigarette)
- Smoking a Cigarette
- Snap a picture* (Camera)
- Snap Fingers
- Snatch
- Snip
- Sneeze
- Sniff
- So-Called
- So Long! *(Goodbye)
- So-So
- Softball
- Sort Of
- Spade* (Shovel)
- Spear
- Splint (as in a dental splint) * (Dentures)
- Spray
- Spray on cologne* (Cologne)
- Spray on hair products* (Hairspray)
- Sprinkle (as in sprinkling a powder) * (Seasoning)
- Spooky
- Squash (as in mash) * (Mash)
- Squeeze affectionately* (Embrace)
- Squeeze (with a pinch) * (Pinch)
- Squeeze* (Wring)
- Squelch (as in mash) * (Mash)
- Squirt (as in spraying) * (Spray)
- Stay clear* (Avoid)
- Steer* (Drive)
- Stench* (Stink)
- Stifle* (Muffle)
- Stink
- Stir (as in a recipe)
- Stir (as in confuse)
- Stir vigorously* (Beat)
- Stitch* (Sew)
- Stockings* (Pantyhose)
- Stow (as in pack) * (Pack)
- Strike (as in hit) * (Punch)
- Strike (as in protest) * (Picket)
- Stroller* (Cart)
- Stupid
- Subject
- Sucker* (Lollipop)
- Suitcase
- Swab (as in swab the floor) * (Mop)
- Swear* (Pledge)
- Swearing In* (Inauguration)
- Sweep
- Sweep up*(Sweep)
- Swim
- Swing a bat* (Baseball)
- Swordplay* (Fencing)
- Syringe* (Hypodermic)
T
- Table Tennis* (Ping Pong)
- Tabulator* (Calculator)
- Tack
- Tailor (as in sew) * (Sew)
- Take a photo* (Camera)
- Take a picture* (Camera)
- Take a Walk! (idiomatic) * (Eject)
- Take it easy* (Calm)
- Take off (as in scram!) * (Get/go away!)
- Taking a drag* (Smoking)
- Tap (as in tap a person) * (Pat)
- Tear (as in rip)
- Tear Apart (as in breaking something)
- Tear Up (as in rip) * (Tear)
- Telephone
- Telescope
- Tender attachment* (affection)
- Tennis
- Tension* (Anxiety)
- Theme
- Thereabouts* (Approximate)
- Thumb a ride* (Hitchhike)
- Thumbtack
- Three-Wheeled Cycle* (Tricycle)
- Throw (as in cast)
- Throw (as in throwing a football) * (Pass)
- Throw Away
- Throw Punches* (Boxing)
- Thumb a Ride* (Hitchhike)
- Tickle
- Tie (as in tie a knot)
- Time Out
- Title
- To Pen* (Write)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Toothpick
- Topic
- Torn
- Toss (as in cast)
- Toss (as in throw a football) * (Pass)
- Touchdown
- Towel
- Tray
- Tremble* (Shudder)
- Tricycle
- Trike* (Tricycle)
- Trimmers (as in scissors) * (Scissors)
- Tug (as in yank) * (Yank)
- Turn down
- Twist
- Type
U
- Umbrella
- Underpants* (Panties)
- Uneasiness* (Anxiety)
- Up
- Ups and Downs
- Upstairs* (Up)
- Upward
V
- Vaccine
- Valves* (Faucet)
- Vamoose! * (Get/go away!)
- Vehicle* (Car)
- Veto
- Vibrate
- Violin
- Volleyball
- Volume (as in book) * (Book)
- Vote down* (Veto)
- Vow* (Pledge)
W
- Wacky (slang)*
- Wash one’s hair
- Wave
- Weapon (gun)* (Gun)
- Weed (as in marijuana) * (Marijuana)
- Whack (as in slap) * (Slap)
- What?
- Wheel/wheel around* (as in biking) (Bicycle)
- Whoa! (as in hey!) * (Hey)
- Whiff-whaff* (Ping Pong)
- Whistle
- Winter
- Wintry* (Cold)
- Wipe Off/Out* (Erase)
- Withdraw*
- Witless* (Dumb)
- Wrench (as in yank) * (Yank)
- Wring
- Write
- Workout
- Worship*
X
- Xylophone
Y
- Yahoo!* (Rally)
- Yank
- Yawn
- Yell
- Yippee! * (Rally)
- Yo! (as in hi) * (Hi)
Z
- Zeal
- Zealous
- Zigzag
- Zip* (Zipper)
- Zip Fastener* (Zipper)
- Zipper