Broken (adjective) in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)

The sign for “brokendamaged beyond repair, fucked, had it, kaput, wrecked” is used in the NZ Deaf community to express something that is completely unusable or in a state of disrepair. It’s a versatile sign that can convey frustration or resignation about an object, situation, or even a feeling of being overwhelmed. This sign is often used in informal contexts among friends or during storytelling.

How to Sign “Brokendamaged Beyond Repair, Fucked, Had It, Kaput, Wreckedpakaru, Kore He Takeadjective” in NZSL

1. Start with both hands open, palms facing down.
2. Bring your hands together in front of you, then quickly pull them apart to show the idea of something breaking.
3. As you pull your hands apart, slightly shake them to indicate damage.
4. Facial expression is important; furrow your brow and show a sense of frustration or disappointment.

Common Mistakes

• Using flat hands instead of open hands can change the meaning.
• Not using facial expressions may lead to misinterpretation.
• Pulling hands apart too slowly can make the sign unclear.

NZSL vs ASL

In NZSL, the sign for “brokendamaged beyond repair” emphasizes the action of breaking with a visual representation of hands pulling apart. In ASL, while the concept exists, the sign may differ in handshape and movement, often using a more static sign rather than a dynamic action.

Related Signs

• (All Of) You – A sign for addressing a group.
• (Baby’S) Dummy – A sign for a baby’s pacifier.
• (Be) Careful – A sign to indicate caution.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use this sign in a sentence?

You might say, “My phone is kaput,” while using the sign to emphasize its broken state.

Are there regional variations in how this sign is used?

While the core sign remains the same, some regional variations in facial expressions may be observed across different communities in New Zealand.

What are some similar signs I should learn?

Consider learning signs for ‘broken’ or ‘damaged’ as they can be used interchangeably in some contexts.

What tips do you have for mastering this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to refine your hand movements and facial expressions for better clarity.

How do I express the opposite of this sign?

You can use signs like ‘repaired’ or ‘fixed’ to indicate that something has been restored to usability.

Is there a specific context where this sign is commonly used?

This sign is often used in casual conversations, particularly when discussing everyday items or experiences.