Originally Posted by Chase

This seven-word idiom means “avoid becoming a victim of mean and negative people.”

The saying is very, very old. Sometimes it’s handy to know how to write it in ancient Latin, “Illegitimus nil carborundum.”

And it’s fun to sign to other deafies so audists don’t know what we’re saying, ha ha ha.


1. The thumb starts under chin in a “ten” sign, then flips outward. In ASL, this sign for a negative contraction may go last in the sentence.

2. Both hands are held wide apart before the torso, palms facing and fingers pointing away, then the wrists pivot so fingers point straight up for “allow.”

3. In ASL, the third word is not signed.

4. Touch the B hand to the center of the forehead (hard for greater emphasis).

5. Fists one on top of the other, twist them in opposite directions. Not for coffee per se, but how it is made.

6. Point to the person you're addressing.

7. The right forefinger curves to point at the floor (or ground).