⛓️

chains

Unicode: 26D3 FE0F

Description

A stop sign emoji, depicting a red octagonal sign with the word 'STOP' in white letters, often outlined in white.

Group:

Objects > tool

Status:

fully-qualified

Emotion:

Typically represents a command to stop, cease, or halt. Can also indicate a blockage, prohibition, or a warning of danger.

Backstory

This emoji is part of the Miscellaneous Symbols and Pictographs block in Unicode. The stop sign itself is a globally recognized traffic control device. The 'FE0F' is a variation selector that ensures the emoji is displayed with its colorful, emoji-style appearance rather than a monochrome text representation.

Usage Examples

  • Commanding to stop: 'Stop right there! ⛓️'
  • Indicating prohibition: 'No entry ⛓️'
  • Warning of danger: 'Danger ahead, stop! ⛓️'
  • Ending a discussion: 'Let's just stop this conversation. ⛓️'

Cultural Differences

Western culture:

Universally recognized as a traffic sign meaning 'stop' and commonly used in digital contexts to emphasize stopping an action, a conversation, or a situation.

East Asian culture:

While the traffic sign meaning is understood, its digital usage can also include a more general sense of 'no' or 'forbidden' beyond just stopping movement.