⛔️
No Entry Sign
noh EN-tree
Definitions
1
Traffic · Warning
Very Common
A red circle with diagonal line indicating prohibition or restriction of access, entry, or specific actions. Used to convey that something is forbidden or not allowed.
Commonly used to indicate prohibition in digital communication, often replacing phrases like 'don't do that' or 'not allowed.'
Sorry, that area is ⛔️ during the renovation.
Personal message
⛔️ No spoilers in the comments please!
Social media post
Meeting room is ⛔️ until further notice.
Workplace communication
Derived from international traffic signage, this symbol has transcended its road sign origins to become a universal indicator of prohibition in digital communication.
2
Communication · Boundaries
Common
Used to establish personal boundaries or indicate that a topic, behavior, or request is unwelcome or inappropriate in conversation.
Often employed to shut down unwanted topics or set boundaries without lengthy explanation.
Please don't ask about my ex ⛔️
Dating app profile
Political discussions in this group chat? ⛔️
Group message
Has evolved from literal prohibition to a softer social boundary-setting tool, especially among younger users.
Evolution Timeline
2010
Initially used primarily to represent literal traffic signs or physical restrictions in early emoji adoption.
Introduction to Unicode standard with literal traffic sign meaning.
2015
Evolved to indicate personal boundaries and topic avoidance in digital communication.
Growing online discourse around consent and personal boundaries.
2020
Saw increased usage during pandemic to indicate closed venues or prohibited activities.
COVID-19 restrictions and safety communications.
Cultural Context
Has evolved beyond its literal meaning to function as a shorthand negation marker in digital communication, replacing phrases like 'not allowed' or 'don't do that.'
Reflects the growing importance of establishing clear boundaries in digital spaces where traditional social cues are absent.
Younger users employ it more flexibly to indicate personal preferences rather than strict prohibitions, while older users tend to use it more literally.
One of the few traffic sign emojis that has gained widespread usage beyond its original context, becoming a general communication symbol.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
Often used with dry humor or sarcasm to indicate mild disapproval rather than absolute prohibition.
United States
Often used in workplace communications and social media to establish firm boundaries or rules.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Typically used for literal prohibition or to establish firm rules in family or work contexts.
Gen_Z: Often used playfully to establish personal boundaries or preferences. Frequently paired with other emojis to soften the message.
Older: Less frequently used, but when employed, almost exclusively represents literal prohibition or warning.
Millennials: Commonly used in workplace communications and to establish rules in group chats or events. Often used literally.
Common Combinations
⛔️🙅
Strong emphasis on prohibition or refusal, doubling down on 'absolutely not'
Used when a simple no isn't emphatic enough, especially in refusing requests.
⛔️🔞
Strong warning about adult or inappropriate content
Used to mark content as inappropriate for minors or certain audiences.
⛔️🚫
Emphatic prohibition, redundant for stronger effect
Used when setting firm boundaries or rules that must be followed.
⛔️😤
Frustrated prohibition, often after repeated violations
Indicates annoyance that a boundary needs to be stated or restated.