π«
No Entry Sign
noh EN-tree sain
Definitions
1
Symbols Β· Warning
Very Common
Indicates prohibition, denial, or restriction of an action, item, or behavior. Used to communicate that something is not allowed or forbidden.
Commonly placed before another emoji to indicate its prohibition. Often used in instructional or regulatory contexts.
π« Smoking in this area, please.
Public announcement
Sorry, but that's a π« from me.
Text message
π« Negative vibes allowed in this group chat!
Group message
Universally recognized symbol derived from traffic signage. Digital usage has expanded beyond literal prohibition to express disagreement or rejection.
2
Communication Β· Disagreement
Common
Expresses disagreement, refusal, or rejection of an idea, suggestion, or statement. Used to firmly communicate opposition.
Often stands alone as a response or precedes text to emphasize disagreement.
Movie tonight? π« I have to study.
Direct message
π« That's not what I meant at all.
Social media comment
Has evolved from literal prohibition to a more casual expression of personal boundaries or opinions in digital communication.
Evolution Timeline
2010
Introduced as part of Unicode 6.0, primarily used to literally represent prohibition signs.
Initial emoji standardization across platforms.
2015
Usage expanded beyond literal prohibition to express personal disagreement or rejection.
Growth of emoji as emotional and conversational tools.
2018
Became prominent in social media activism to indicate opposition to social issues.
Rise of hashtag activism and social justice movements online.
Cultural Context
Has evolved from representing physical prohibition signs to functioning as a negation marker in digital grammar, often placed before another emoji to negate its meaning.
Serves as a boundary-setting tool in digital communication, allowing users to clearly express personal limits or disagreement without confrontational language.
One of the few symbols that maintains consistent meaning across platforms and cultures, making it valuable for clear communication in international digital contexts.
Younger users have expanded its usage beyond prohibition to express ironic rejection or as part of slang expressions like 'π«π§’' (no cap/no lie).
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
More formally used in official communications about regulations.
United States
Often used in workplace and educational communications about policies and rules.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: More literal usage focused on rules and prohibitions. Often used in family group chats and work communications.
Gen_Z: Frequently used in slang expressions like 'π«π§’'. Often used ironically or to express boundaries on social media platforms.
Older: Limited usage, primarily for literal prohibition contexts. May use as a standalone response to indicate disapproval.
Millennials: Commonly used in workplace communications and group chats to establish rules or express disagreement with ideas.
Common Combinations
π«π±
No phones allowed or digital detox.
Used in educational settings, meetings, or to indicate personal disconnection from technology.
π«π
No noise or keep quiet.
Used to request silence in shared spaces or during presentations.
π«π°
No money, broke, or free event/item.
Used to indicate financial status or that something doesn't cost money.
π«π§’
No cap, meaning no lie or being truthful.
Slang expression popular among younger users, particularly Gen Z.
π«β°
No time, no deadlines, or time off.
Used to indicate lack of time pressure or vacation status.