COKE: As in "Coco-cola."
This sign used to be signed by jabbing a finger into the arm.
It's true folks. I'm not making this up! And I'm not talking about
"cocaine." I'm talking about the drink.
Note: COKE (as in the drink) is a weird sign that looks like you are sticking a
needle in your arm.
Why this is the case is debated somewhat in the Deaf world. Many people
think it is because of the idea of "shooting up" with Cocaine. But I've
been told by more than one old deaf codger that the sign really has to do
with the idea that in the old days when deaf kids would have to go to the
doctor to get a "shot" they would afterward be rewarded with a bottle of
Coke.
--Dr. Bill
p.s. The sign "cocaine" is totally different. It is an "A" hand, (palm
left, if you are right handed) brought to the nose with a very small double
movement.
I've been enjoying your excellent website & came across the sign for "coke" & your speculations as to its origin. Here's my 2 cents: according to my Dad--Georgia born & raised (Georgia being the home of said beverage)--when he was growing up in the 30's & 40's, the slang term for a "coke" was "dope"--as in, "Give me a dope". [Presumably this was a reference to the cocaine that was apparently part of the original formula.] Maybe that "hearing" slang term found its way into sign language as well.
Joanne Wiggins
English Teacher
Midlothian Middle School
Midlothian, VA