American Sign Language: "waiter," "waitress," "server"
The sign for "waiter," "waitress," "server" uses the sign "SERVE" and then
adds the "PERSON" ending.
To sign "serve," slide one hand forward, then move it back while sliding the
other hand forward.
Memory tip: Think of handing someone various plates of food.
WAITER, "waitress," or "servant:"
"How much should you tip the server?" = SERVER, HOW-MUCH SHOULD TIP?
In real life, if I'm sitting at a table with my friends and wanted to ask
that question, I'd just spell "T-I-P" and sign HOW-MUCH? I'd furrow my
eyebrows while signing HOW-MUCH since it is a "wh-type question." It
would be obvious from the surroundings that I'm talking about the waiter or
waitress. So just by signing "T-I-P HOW-MUCH?" my meaning would be
clear. Also, remember to furrow your eyebrows when signing "HOW-MUCH"
in this question.
There is another sign for waiter
that is quite popular in certain regions. Amongst Deaf adult native signers and socially active
advanced signers throughout much of California a somewhat common sign for
"waiter" is the "circling horns" version. (See below.) At first glance
it might seem strange to some of you who have used the "server" sign, but I
assure you that the "circling horns" sign is well established in
certain areas. It also seems to be spreading.
This new "WAITER" sign makes a lot of sense. First of all, it only takes one hand (which
is a definite advantage -- especially when you are using the other hand to
hold a fork and/or cram a sandwich into your mouth). Secondly, this version
has a strong iconic value. By that I mean that this sign looks quite
a bit like what it represents -- since many waiters tend to carry
around trays with drinks on them.
I recommend this sign to you as the sign for CATER or CATERER. Only use this
sign to mean "waiter" if the Deaf in your region use it. The safe
thing to do is to stick with the regular sign for waiter (above).
To do this sign, hold the "horns-handshape" in the air, pointing upward, and
circle it once or twice using a small circular movement from the elbow. (The
wrist stays firm.)