How to Sign "Friends" in American Sign Language (ASL)

In ASL, "friend" is signed by extending both index fingers and hooking them together in front of your chest, then pulling them apart. The sign came from two people being linked. The sign can be made plural by adding a sweeping motion after the basic sign, which many people use every day. This gesture works everywhere. The sign shows how much Deaf people value friendship and strong social bonds in their community, as these connections mean everything to them. Some people change it a bit.