A safeword is a pre-agreed word or signal used during BDSM activities to communicate the need to slow down, check in, or stop completely. Safewords are fundamental to safe BDSM practice.
The traffic light system is common: "Green" (good, continue), "Yellow" (approaching limits, slow down), "Red" (stop immediately). Some prefer unique words unlikely to occur naturally, like "pineapple" or "red."
Non-verbal safewords are essential when speech is restricted (gags, roleplay). These may include dropping a held object, specific hand signals, or tapping patterns.
Safeword use should never be questioned, punished, or discouraged. The ability to stop activities is what makes BDSM consensual. A safeword being used isn't failure - it's the system working correctly.
Safety Information
Establish safewords before any scene. Always honor safewords immediately without question.