Signing "Crazy"

Question

I'm wondering what the opinion is on the sign for "crazy" and how to use it. I think we or most of us used the sign (circling a finger by one's ear) as a kid to their siblings and or friends. At least, I did. But I was told that it should only be used in the literal sense when actually communicating with a Deaf person. When I want to use wild or crazy to describe bad behavior with a student or just chaos, would it be appropriate to use that sign? If not, what would be?

Answer 1

I am trying to record a video answer but can't get it to work.

There is a different sign for this type of crazy. It's an open palm with curved fingers by your ear (not touching your head) and rotating it forward as if there was a big knob over your ear that you were turning clockwise.

Answer 2

It really depends on the context and what region of the country you're from. But the gesture, we as hearing people use, is not an ASL sign.