🧷

Safety Pin

SAY-ftee pin
Objects Unicode 11.0 common

Meanings

1
Objects · Tools Common

A metal fastening device with a spring mechanism and protective clasp, used to temporarily secure fabric or other materials together.

Used to represent literal safety pins or metaphorically to indicate temporary fixes, securing things, or DIY solutions.

Finally found a 🧷 to fix this torn pocket until I can properly sew it. 📋 Personal messaging
Bringing extra 🧷 to the wedding for any emergency wardrobe malfunctions! 📋 Group chat

Beyond practical use, associated with punk culture, political statements, and solidarity movements.

2
Culture · Symbol Uncommon

A symbol of solidarity, safety, or protest, inspired by the safety pin movement that began after Brexit and spread to other social justice causes.

Used in political contexts to signal allyship or support for marginalized groups.

Adding a 🧷 to my profile to show support for the campaign. 📋 Social media

Gained prominence in 2016 as a symbol of being an ally to minorities and vulnerable populations.

Combos with 🧷

🧷👶
Diaper pin or baby-related safety measures
Traditional use of safety pins for securing cloth diapers or baby clothes
🧷👕
Clothing repair or alteration
Quick fix for clothing issues or fashion adjustments
🧷✊
Solidarity, protest, or activism
Reference to safety pin movement showing support for marginalized groups

Culture

Safety pins were invented by Walter Hunt in 1849. The emoji represents this simple yet revolutionary tool that has remained largely unchanged for over 170 years.

In the 1970s, safety pins became associated with punk culture when musicians and fans used them decoratively on clothing and as piercings, symbolizing anti-establishment attitudes.

In 2016, the safety pin emerged as a symbol of solidarity with marginalized groups, first in the UK after Brexit and later spreading to other countries.

United Kingdom Has stronger political connotations due to the 2016 post-Brexit safety pin movement that originated in the UK.
Gen_X: Recognizes punk culture associations alongside practical uses. May use in political contexts but less frequently.
Gen_Z: Used practically and in DIY fashion contexts. Some recognize its solidarity meaning but may view it as outdated symbolism.
Older: Primarily used to represent the literal object. May be unfamiliar with recent political symbolism.
Millennials: Familiar with both practical uses and political symbolism. More likely to use in solidarity contexts on social media.

History

2016

Safety pin became a symbol of solidarity with marginalized groups following Brexit vote in the UK.

Response to reported rise in xenophobic incidents after the Brexit referendum

2017

Symbol spread to the US as a response to political divisions, though criticized by some as 'slacktivism'.

Political tensions and concerns about minority safety