For singles looking for love are now turning to . . . SIGN LANGUAGE!

A new craze called Bar Code that started in New York and has swept Britain has arrived in clubs and pubs across Ulster.

And all you have to do to find the perfect partner is let your fingers do the talking through a series of hand gestures.

The signs can communicate everything from "you're cute", "I'm with someone, maybe later", "not interested", or a simple and straight-to-the-point "sleep with me".

One of the most useful and provocative ways to start a bar code flirtation is the sign for "cheeky", meaning handsome or beautiful.

It is executed by holding the hand in a fist and running the thumb down the cheekbone of your face.

Another sign, "no way", lets both parties know immediately where they stand.

Bar Code was devised by two American girls to help people who are too shy to chat someone up or even walk across a room and say hello.

The signals are designed for that all-important moment when someone catches your eye.

The no-language signs - and what they mean - can be found at www.barcodesigns.com.

And the website promises: "Learn this new and exciting language and watch your social life explode."

The signs cover every eventuality for meeting, flirting, and connecting - as well as giving someone the heave-ho.

"It's a very simple and quickly learned form of communication that can break down barriers and discover instantly if someone who takes your fancy is interested," states the website.

One of Belfast's top nightclub owners told us: "I spotted this in the club a few weeks ago and I thought the people involved were either deaf or had an itch.

"But it's taken off big-time and I now know most of the signs backwards! "

slnews@belfasttelegraph.co.uk