Stay safe!

Everybody should know what these 10 safety signs mean

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Safety signs are more than just colorful symbols; they’re designed to keep us out of harm’s way. These standardized signs warn us about potential dangers, inform us of safety requirements, and guide our actions to prevent accidents. For instance, the bright red of a "No Smoking" sign or the bold green of an "Emergency Exit" sign are instantly recognizable, no matter where you are. Let's explore 10 of the most common safety signs and what they mean.

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Stop signs are the iconic red octagons that demand your attention and signal you to come to a complete halt. They are among the most universally recognized traffic signs, with a simple yet powerful message: "Stop."

You’ll find them on the busiest streets and the quiet ones because accidents don’t care about these kinds of things. These signs ensure that drivers pause, look both ways, and proceed with caution.

The bright red color and bold white lettering make them hard to miss, and for a good reason: They’re all about keeping everyone safe on the roads. When you see this sign, it’s not just a suggestion; it’s a rule you must follow to help prevent accidents and keep traffic flowing smoothly.

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The color yellow was chosen for a reason: it’s friendlier than red, but bright enough to grab everyone’s attention. Warning signs are like a tap on the shoulder, they let us know that danger might be close. These signs are usually yellow with a black triangle and an exclamation mark or other relevant symbol.

They’re designed to catch your attention and make you aware of potential hazards such as slippery floors, sharp objects, or electrical risks. Keep your head up, because when you see that yellow triangle, it’s time to stay sharp and proceed with caution.

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No smoking signs are a clear and concise way of saying, "Put that cigarette out!" These signs typically feature a red circle with a diagonal line crossing over a cigarette, indicating areas where smoking is prohibited.

Whether it’s due to fire hazards, health regulations, or simply a courtesy, these signs are found in a wide range of places, from public buildings to airplanes.

They help keep environments clean, safe, and smoke-free. When you see this sign, it’s time to step outside before lighting up.

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Even though they are called "emergency exit" signs, they are useful in more scenarios than just emergencies.

The exit signs are the beacons of safety in a crisis, they guide you to the nearest route out which is (or should be) specifically designed and built to make a quick escape.

These signs are usually green with a white running figure or an arrow pointing to the exit. In the event of an emergency, these signs help ensure a quick and orderly evacuation. They’re often illuminated to remain visible even in low light or smoke-filled conditions. In case of emergency, always remember to keep calm and follow the green light!

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All the signs on this list keep us safe and, if it comes to it, can save our lives. But this one is specifically designed to do the latter.

First aid signs are reassuring symbols that indicate help is nearby. These signs are usually green with a white cross or other medical symbols, indicating the location of first aid supplies or assistance. In it, you might find a first aid kit, a defibrillator, or a medical station.

The ultimate goal of these signs is to ensure you know where to go in case of injury. It’s all about peace of mind, knowing that help is available when you need it most.

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These are the kinds of signs that make you wonder: What was it that made it necessary for people to create this sign? We’ll always wonder, but in any case, we thank the warning!

Explosive signs are high-energy warnings, they feature a yellow background with a black explosion symbol, indicating that the area contains explosive materials or risks.

You’ll find this sign in various locations, and the "explosive" might refer to fireworks, chemicals, ammunition, and more. Essentially, they simply prevent us from making small mistakes that could lead to significant damage.

The message is loud and clear: handle with extreme caution and follow all safety protocols. When you see this sign, it's time to tread lightly and keep things calm.

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We hope you never need to use one, but these signs can save lives, so keep an eye out for this one. In this case, it’s not only the sign that is universal; fire extinguishers are too.

Fire extinguisher signs are your go-to guides when it’s time to put out a fire. These signs are typically red with a white fire extinguisher icon, showing you exactly where to find this essential safety tool.

In an emergency, these signs help you act quickly to douse the flames before they spread. It’s all about knowing your resources and being ready to spring into action. When you spot one of these signs, it’s good to make a mental note: knowing the location of the extinguisher can make all the difference.

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Although not commonly found, if you come across one of these signs, you might want to head the other way.

This triangle-shaped sign is the biohazard symbol, and it warns people about the presence of dangerous biological materials. Typically orange or yellow with a black symbol that looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, these signs indicate the presence of hazardous materials like viruses, bacteria, or other biohazards that could cause infection or disease.

It’s a clear warning to stay away unless you’re properly equipped. These signs are a serious reminder that some things are better left untouched.

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Speaking of things that are better left untouched, here’s another one for you: high-voltage signs.

The message is crystal clear: there is an electrical hazard in the area and the damages caused by not following the rules could be fatal.

These signs usually feature a yellow background with a black lightning bolt, signaling that the area is charged with dangerous levels of electricity. They’re commonly found near power lines, electrical equipment, and machinery. So, if you see one, keep your distance and respect the power of electricity. One wrong move near these signs, and you could be in for a shocking experience!

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Unless you live near certain areas, you’ve probably never seen one of these. All the more reason to learn what it means and how to respond if you encounter such a sign.

Radioactive signs are the ultimate danger warnings, signaling the presence of materials that emit harmful radiation.

Typically yellow with a black trefoil symbol, these signs are instantly recognizable. They warn you of the risks associated with radiation exposure, whether it’s in a medical, industrial, or research setting.

The sign’s message is clear: this is not an area to linger in. Proper protective gear and procedures are a must when dealing with anything radioactive. Or better still, just avoid it altogether!

GIVE ME TWENTY, SOLDIER!

Attention! Do You Know the Military Origins of These Ten Words & Phrases?

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A country’s military tends to be a source of great pride. The brave men and women who serve in the different branches of the military are usually greeted by civilians with great respect and enthusiasm. After all, they don’t only help keep their countries safe, but they also keep alive a tradition that, in some cases, dates back several hundreds of years.

The influence of the military is so exceptional that it even has an effect on the way we talk. From items of clothing to ways of celebrating a good grade on a test, here are ten of our favorite terms derived from the military world.

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We’ll start with what’s probably the most surprising item on this list. We won’t blame you if you weren’t aware of the rich history of the bikini, but you might be surprised to learn how refreshingly interesting the clothes that millions of women wear for a fun day on the beach are. For starters, did you know that a French automotive engineer invented the bikini, or that it was named after a decisive military test?

In the 1940s, engineer Louis Reard took over his mother’s lingerie business and designed a two-piece swimsuit that exposed the midriff for a better tan. Reard named his design the Atome, and advertised it as "the world’s smallest swimsuit." Later on, the designer chose to rename it "the bikini", to grab some attention from the first atomic bomb test on Bikini Atoll, conducted in 1946.

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Fighting or working to the bitter end sounds like experiencing a difficult situation until the worst outcome (or the most bitter) occurs. This is definitively not what this idiom means: it describes having the endurance to take on a difficult experience, with the determination to see it through.

While the origins of this idiom are not entirely clear, the most accepted explanation comes from the nautical world. Its first recorded use comes from a 1627 publication called "Seaman’s Grammar", written by fabled explorer and military officer Captain John Smith. In it, Smith described the way rope is wrapped around "the bit", which is basically a post. The captain then defines "the bitter end" as the point at which there is no more rope left to be used.

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We mentioned this idiom in our previous article on slang words, but it was too good to pass. While you probably don’t ask for a "cup of joe" from your local barista, they would know that it means a cup of coffee. What they might not know is that this popular idiom allegedly comes from disgruntled Army sailors.

According to this theory, the origins of the phrase "a cup of joe" references Josephus Daniels, the U.S. Secretary of the Navy during World War 1. Daniels enacted a ban on alcohol consumption on all Navy ships, which obviously infuriated many sailors at the time. Since a cup of black coffee was the strongest drink they had access to, sailors started using the sarcastic expression "a cup of Joe".

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You might be taken aback by a particularly shocking headline in a newspaper, an unpleasant comment heard on the sidewalk, or even the impossibly friendly demeanor of a new coworker. In any case, what’s defining about this phrase is the disconcerting surprise with which you are suddenly hit. This seems only fitting since this phrase has its origins in how suddenly a gust of wind would hit a ship at the sea.

The word "aback", which has now fallen into disuse, means to go backward. If an unexpected and particularly strong wind suddenly blew into the sails of a ship, they would be blown flat against the mast, which would make the ship be "taken aback", and suddenly stop.

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Let’s step back in time, and try to picture a time in your childhood when you passed a test with flying colors. Did you also picture something resembling Superman’s cape whenever you heard this phrase? Maybe it was just us but, in any case, this idiom is one heavily associated with the joyous feeling of doing something exceptionally well.

While it might not be directly related to a superhero, this phrase does come from a colored piece of cloth fluttering in the air. In the ancient days of sailing, ships would return to port either showing or hiding their flags (known as "colors"). Raising a flag would communicate victory or success; therefore, colors "flying" in the wind would be considered very good news.

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Need something onto which to blame that toast that fell jelly-side down, that car splashing you on a rainy day, or that bus that shows up at the exact same second you light a cigarette? Well, you might find solace in blaming Murphy’s Law: Anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Having said that, you might be wondering who the eponymous Murphy was, and why his name is associated with this now-infamous maxim.

The origins of this phrase are still disputed, but we do know that the law itself was coined by American army engineer Edward A. Murphy Jr., who was involved in high-speed rocket sled experiments during the 1940s. Murphy wrote his law after a series of mishaps with his experiments and was later popularized by a press conference of the department’s head.

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An old trope in 80s buddy cop movies is one of those iconic scenes in which the police chief suspends the two protagonists and makes them submit their badges and guns. After being called a couple of "loose cannons" by their superior officers, these two cops decide to step up their game and work together to solve this crime. You might be tricked into thinking that they were called "loose cannons" over something related to their guns, but this idiom actually comes from old sea warfare.

From the 17th to the 19th century, cannons were the main weapon used by warships at sea, which were mounted on wheels and secured with rope. An unbarred (or loose) cannon moved by the sea would obviously be a danger for sailors.

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Let’s say that the wonderful chit-chat you and your favorite coworker have by the water cooler happened on a Navy ship. First things first: Congratulations, you are now a sailor! But, most importantly, you might be delighted to learn that this exchanged gossip now has a wonderfully strange name: scuttlebutt.

This word is a slang term for gossip, usually spread by sailors aboard a ship. The name comes from the water fountain from which sailors drank, on which most rumors were exchanged. Originally, sailships would provide water from casks (also known as butts), on which a hole would be "scuttled" for drinking.

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Another clothing item with origins in the military world, a pea coat is a type of coat generally made from wool. While short, pea coats usually have large lapels and double-breasted fronts and are a great option for cold winter days.

This protection against the cold was the main reason why they were issued to sailors in the American navy, as well as by the navies of some European countries. American sailors referred to these coats as "p-coats", a shortening for "pilot coat."

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Sadness is a part of being human. We have all felt blue at one point or another, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with it. Nonetheless, have you ever wondered why the color blue is associated with sadness? And while we can’t offer you a definitive answer, most people agree that this idiom comes from sailing ships.

This theory states that in the 1700s, whenever a ship lost its captain or an officer while at sea, the crew would fly a blue flag when returning to port. Therefore, the sadness of losing a crewmate would be intrinsically connected with this blue flag waving in the wind.