red flag
RED FLAG
/ˌred ˈflæɡ/
A warning sign or symptom of a potential problem or danger in a relationship.
Can range from minor personality clashes to serious indicators of toxicity or abuse.
The story behind the word. Historically, red flags were used by ships to signal 'no quarter' (meaning they would show no mercy) or by militaries to indicate danger or a state of emergency. In dating, it signals a need to stop and reassess.
Word relationships
- warning sign: Warning sign is more formal; red flag is the standard dating vernacular.
- green flag: A positive sign that a person is healthy and compatible.
Collocations
- major red flag
- ignore red flags
- spot a red flag
Example sentences
- "The fact that he was rude to the waiter was a major red flag for me." Identifying bad behavior early.
- "When you wear rose-colored glasses, all the red flags just look like flags." A common saying in dating. (BoJack Horseman (TV Show))
Memory hook
A red light means stop; a red flag means stop dating them. Stop and look closer.
When not to use
Don't use for things that are just 'preferences' (e.g., 'he likes pineapple on pizza' isn't a red flag, it's just a trait).
Fun facts
- The 'Red Flag' emoji became a viral trend on Twitter in 2021, with users listing dating deal-breakers.
Related words
Explore more words
symptomatic, attachment, blemish, violation, friction, clash
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.