In Switzerland, about 250 or so new words are added to the vocabulary of sign language each year. One new sign stood out as so clever and useful that the Swiss Deaf Association has dubbed it the Sign of the Year. The sign for "Donald Trump" is pictured here.
“The deciding factor was the sign’s simplicity, i.e. mimicking Trump’s extraordinary thatch of hair,” said Christian Gremaud, who led the organisation’s campaign. “And also the fact that the sign has really established itself in just a short period of time across Switzerland.”
It is the first time the Swiss Deaf Association has awarded a sign of the year.
The association explained that names or terms in the media are at first spelt out using a finger alphabet, but once the word establishes itself, deaf people come up with a sign for it. Like spoken words, if it proves popular or useful, it spreads.
Other signs in the running for the title included "Netflix," "vegan," and "deportation." -Thanks, Vic Leeds!
(Image credit: Swiss Deaf Association)