I Was Wrong, (You) Got Me at My Words, Fell for It, Feel Silly, Shamefaced, Sheepish, Sucked in in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)

The sign for “I was wrong, (you) got me at my words, fell for it, feel silly, shamefaced, sheepish, sucked in” conveys a sense of humility or regret in the New Zealand Deaf community. It’s often used when someone realizes they made a mistake or were deceived. This sign captures the emotions of feeling foolish or embarrassed in a light-hearted way.

How to Sign “I Was Wrong, (You) Got Meeat My Words, Fell For It, Feel Silly, Shamefaced, Sheepish, Sucked Ini Hē Ahau, Kua Mau Auadjective; Interjection” in NZSL

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat ‘B‘ handshape (palm facing down).
2. Place your hand on your forehead, just above the eyebrows, to indicate a thought or reflection.
3. Move your hand away from your forehead in a small outward arc while slightly bending your wrist, as if pushing away the thought.
4. Facial expressions are crucial; raise your eyebrows in a sheepish manner to convey your embarrassment.
5. Finish by bringing your hand back to your chest, palm facing in, as if to show you’re taking it back or feeling regret.

Common Mistakes

• Using an ‘A’ handshape instead of a ‘B‘ handshape, which can change the meaning of the sign.
• Not incorporating facial expressions, which are essential for conveying the right emotions.
• Moving the hand too far away from the forehead, which can lose the intended meaning of reflecting on a mistake.

NZSL vs ASL

In NZSL, this sign emphasizes the feeling of sheepishness and regret with specific facial expressions, which is less pronounced in ASL. While ASL may use a different handshape or movement, the core concept remains similar across both languages.

Related Signs

• (All Of) You
• (Baby’s) Dummy
• (Be) Careful

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use this sign in a sentence?

You might use this sign when discussing a situation where you were misled or made a mistake, such as “I thought I knew the answer, but I was wrong.”

Are there regional variations for this sign in New Zealand?

While the sign is generally consistent, some regions may have slight variations in the facial expressions used or the speed of the sign.

What similar signs should I learn?

Consider learning signs like “sorry” or “my mistake,” which also convey regret or acknowledgment of a mistake.

Any tips for learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to ensure your facial expressions match the sign’s meaning. Watching native signers can also help.

Can I use this sign in formal settings?

This sign is generally informal, so it might be best to use it in casual conversations unless the context allows for a light-hearted approach.

How does this sign express emotion?

The facial expressions combined with the hand movement convey a mix of humility and self-reflection, which is essential in Deaf culture.