🚩
Triangular Flag
traɪˈæŋɡjələr flæɡ
Definitions
1
Warning · Alert
Very Common
Used to indicate a warning sign or problematic behavior, especially in dating or relationships. Signals something concerning that should be noticed.
Often repeated multiple times for emphasis. Common in social media discussions about relationships.
He said he doesn't believe in therapy 🚩🚩🚩
Twitter/Dating Discussion
When they're super nice to you but rude to the waiter 🚩
TikTok/Relationship Advice
Constantly checking your phone? Major 🚩 in a relationship.
Instagram/Dating Advice
Evolved from literal meaning to become a widely recognized metaphor for warning signs in interpersonal dynamics.
2
Location · Marker
Common
Represents a physical triangular flag marking a location, finish line, checkpoint, or notable point on a map or in sports.
Used literally in contexts related to maps, sports, or navigation.
Race starts at 9am, look for the 🚩 at the starting line!
Sports Event Announcement
I've marked our meeting point with a 🚩 on the map.
Navigation/Planning
The literal meaning is less common than the metaphorical warning usage in digital communication.
Evolution Timeline
2015
Initial usage primarily literal, representing actual flags or location markers.
Map and navigation apps popularizing location markers
2019
Began shifting toward metaphorical warning sign in dating contexts.
Dating app culture and online relationship discussions
2021
Exploded in popularity as a dating/relationship warning sign on TikTok and Twitter.
Viral TikTok trend of listing relationship 'red flags'
Cultural Context
The emoji directly references the idiom 'red flag,' which predates digital communication as a metaphor for warning signs.
Represents broader cultural shift toward openly discussing relationship dynamics and toxic behaviors in public forums.
One of the clearest examples of an emoji shifting from literal to metaphorical meaning through social media usage patterns.
Particularly embraced by younger generations as shorthand for complex relationship dynamics and boundaries.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
Used similarly to US but with more ironic usage and self-deprecating humor.
United States
Heavily used in dating and relationship contexts, with strong association to toxic behavior warning signs.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Less frequent usage, more likely to use in literal context or when discussing actual warning signs rather than dating.
Gen_Z: Primary users, employing it frequently in dating discussions on TikTok and Twitter, often with multiple repetitions for emphasis.
Older: Limited usage, primarily literal when referring to actual flags or location markers.
Millennials: Adopted from Gen Z, using in both dating contexts and workplace discussions about problematic professional behaviors.
Common Combinations
🚩🚩🚩
Multiple flags emphasize severity of the warning or concern.
Common format in social media posts about dating red flags.
🚩🏃♀️
Run away from this warning sign or problematic situation.
Advising someone to flee from a concerning relationship dynamic.
🚩⚠️
Strong emphasis on warning or danger signs.
Used to highlight particularly concerning behaviors.
🚩🔍
Looking for or identifying warning signs.
Often used in posts about spotting problematic behaviors early.