cross mark
Unicode: 274C
Description
A thick, red cross or 'X' symbol. It is typically symmetrical.
Group:
Symbols > other-symbol
Status:
fully-qualified
Emotion:
Generally represents negation, cancellation, rejection, or an incorrect answer. Can also signify a stop or a problem.
Backstory
The 'X' mark has a long history as a symbol for various purposes, including marking a spot, signing a document by illiterate individuals, or signifying incorrectness. Its digital representation as an emoji in Unicode (Miscellaneous Symbols block, since version 1.1) provides a direct visual cue for 'cancel' or 'wrong' without requiring text.
Usage Examples
- Indicating an incorrect answer: 'Your answer is ❌.'
- Marking something as unavailable or cancelled: 'Event cancelled ❌.'
- Signifying rejection: 'Idea rejected ❌.'
- Used as a clear negative response: 'No ❌.'
Cultural Differences
Western culture:
Widely understood as a 'no' or 'wrong' marker, used in grading, error messages, or to indicate something is forbidden/unavailable. Also used as a checkbox for something that should not be selected or has been deselected.
East Asian culture:
Similar usage to Western culture for 'no' or 'wrong'. Sometimes used in games to mark a specific spot or action.