π
NG Button
en-jee BUH-tuhn
Definitions
1
Symbols Β· Broadcasting
uncommon
A symbol originating from Japanese broadcasting indicating content is 'No Good' or unsuitable. Used to mark disapproval or rejection of something.
Primarily used in contexts relating to media ratings, content warnings, or expressing that something is unacceptable.
That joke was definitely π for the company meeting.
Text message
Derived from Japanese television where 'NG' marks scenes that didn't make the final cut or content deemed inappropriate for broadcast.
2
Communication Β· Rejection
rare
Used to indicate rejection, disapproval, or that something is not acceptable, often in digital communication as a shorthand for 'no good'.
Less common than other rejection symbols like β or π«, mostly used by those familiar with Japanese media conventions.
I reviewed your proposal and it's π - we need to rethink our approach.
Work chat
While common in Japan, this symbol has limited recognition in Western contexts outside of anime and manga communities.
Evolution Timeline
1980
Term 'NG' becomes standardized in Japanese broadcasting industry for marking unusable footage.
Growth of Japanese television production and standardization of industry terminology
2010
Unicode adopts the π symbol as part of emoji standardization, based on Japanese carrier symbols.
Global adoption of emoji sets from Japanese mobile carriers
Cultural Context
The abbreviation 'NG' for 'No Good' originated in Japanese English but has become a standard term in Japanese entertainment industry jargon.
One of several Japanese-origin square button emojis (π, π, π, etc.) that were incorporated into Unicode from Japanese mobile carriers' emoji sets.
Regional Variations
Japan
Widely recognized and frequently used in Japanese contexts, especially in broadcasting, entertainment, and casual messaging.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Very low recognition and usage outside specific professional contexts related to media production.
Gen_Z: Rarely used except by anime fans or those interested in Japanese culture. Not part of typical Gen Z emoji vocabulary.
Older: Virtually unknown and unused by older generations in Western contexts.
Millennials: Limited usage, primarily by those familiar with Japanese media or who work in content creation industries.
Common Combinations
πβ
Strong rejection or disapproval of something.
Emphasizes that something is absolutely unacceptable or forbidden.
πβ οΈ
Warning that something is not acceptable or should be avoided.
Used to caution against problematic content or behavior.