Fans of the University of Oregon Duck’s often hold out their hands in the shape of the letter ├óΓé¼┼ôO├óΓé¼┬¥ to cheer on the football team, but after taking a sign language course, they may rethink their decision.
It turns out that the symbol is actually a sign used by the deaf to say “vagina.” So while most of the students think they are showing their school pride, the deaf ones might be a little confused!
What is more inneresting is that most of the football team is completely aware because 29 players on the roster are enrolled in the university’s American Sign Language program!
LaMichael James, the team’s star running back who studies the language, admits, “I did the ‘O’ once, and I never did it again.”
Apparently, older athletes on the team recommend the class over a foreign-language class like Spanish because football players grow up using different signing systems on the field.
According to their teacher, Johanna Larson, the players actually do have an advantage over other students in the class, explaining:
“Many of them have some sort of innate ability. They├óΓé¼Γäóve been watching signals for so long, and many of the students on the team are real tactile learners with great peripheral vision.├óΓé¼┬¥
Dewitt Stuckey, a senior linebacker and second-year sign language student, admits although he can relate to the language, it’s no walk in the park, saying:
“A lot of people stereotype us and think we’re just sitting around and not doing anything, but in this class you have to pay attention. If not, you get completely lost.”
That’s pretty cool if you ask us! We wish we could sign and can’t help but be a little inspired by this group of athletes who are taking the time to learn such a valuable life skill!
Go vagina DUCKS! LOLz!
[Image via AP Images.]