The ASL sign for WIFE uses cupped hands with the dominant hand starting from the cheek area and moving down to clasp with the cupped non-dominant hand. This is actually a compound sign that combines the sign for FEMALE and MARRY. The compound sign means WIFE. The sign for HAMBURGER uses similar cupped hands held in front of you which turn over each other mimicking the motion of forming/making a hamburger in the palms of your hands. New learners often confuse details when signs are close in their production.
Having previously introduced students to family relationship signs and recently completed a unit on food signs I found myself with my wife at a play performed in ASL. One of my students was also attending and was eager to apply his emerging ASL skills. I introduced my wife. Gave her name and sign name as is customary. My student replied that NICE TO-MEET YOUR HAMBURGER.
My wife and I just took it in stride, smiled and signed back SAME-TO-YOU.
