Non-verbal safe signal

A non-verbal safe signal, also known as a silent safeword, is a simple gesture, such as clapping hands or snapping fingers, that represents stopping an activity.[1]

Sources: grade B×1. Last checked 8 October 2026. What the grades mean

Silent safewords are used where speaking is not an option.[1] Any action showing that the scene must end can serve as one.[1]

Safewords in general are verbal codes that both partners recognise as the end or altering of activities in a scene.[1] Silent safewords cover the moments when speech is not possible, using a gesture to stop an activity.[1]

Within the BDSM community, there are universal safewords based on traffic lights, known as "house safewords".[1] Red means stop everything, yellow means slow down and go no further, and green means go and continue with more intensity.[1]

The use of safewords goes hand in hand with consent and negotiation.[1] Negotiation is required to ensure that play is enjoyable and safe for both parties.[1]

Sources

1. Source grade BDunkley, Cara R.; Brotto, Lori A. (22 April 2019). "The Role of Consent in the Context of BDSM". Sexual Abuse . 32 (6). doi : 10.1177/1079063219842847 . ISSN 1079-0632 . PMID 31010393 . S2CID 128359900 . doi.org (via Wikipedia: Dominance and submission)

Grades: A systematic review or official classification, B peer-reviewed study, C expert or community organisation, D practice from the community without research. How we grade sources.

Every claim was checked against its source before publication. Last checked 8 October 2026.