The symbol 🚫, a red circle with a diagonal line through it, universally signifies prohibition or not allowed. It indicates that a particular action, item, or situation is restricted or forbidden.
Variations in Context
The meaning remains consistent, but the specific application varies depending on the context:
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In user interfaces (UI): The symbol might indicate a disabled feature, an unavailable option, or a blocked action within an app or system. For example, in the gaming app Mudae, as referenced in this Reddit thread, "🚫 means you cannot roll this series, due to it being on your disable list". In other contexts, it might show that a function is temporarily unavailable, or even that you have selected a 'mute' or 'silent' mode (this AndroidCentral forum).
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In physical signage: This symbol is often seen in real-world settings, like "No Smoking," "No Entry," or "No Bikes" signs. It's a widely understood international symbol for restrictions. For example, on chess.com, as seen in this forum discussion, "🚫 = Closed: Fair Play".
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In online communities: The meaning can be specific to the platform. For instance, in the Township game, as per this Reddit post, "it means that they have opted out of having their online status seen."
Examples
- 🚫 Smoking: Indicates that smoking is prohibited in a specific area.
- 🚫 Entry: Signifies that access to a particular location is restricted.
- 🚫 Parking: Shows that parking is not allowed in a designated zone.
- 🚫 Wifi: (Context-dependent) Could mean Wi-Fi is currently unavailable or disabled.
