Green Flag

Green Flag (noun / Slang)

(Also heard as: Green flags, Huge green flag, Walking green flag)

Definition:

A green flag is a positive sign that someone is kind, trustworthy or good for you. It is the opposite of a red flag. It is mostly used about dating and friendships, such as someone who listens well, keeps promises or is polite to everyone.

Where Green Flag Comes From:

The phrase is the counterpart to “red flag”, borrowed from the idea of a green flag meaning go or all clear in racing and rail signals. Social media posts about healthy relationships made it popular in the late 2010s and 2020s, and it is now common in both the UK and the USA.

How People Actually Use Green Flag:

People use it to praise behaviour, as in “he replies to messages, green flag”. It also appears in lists of what to look for in a partner. Like red flags, it can be used in jest for small, silly things, such as someone who likes dogs.

Is a Green Flag a Guarantee?

No. It is a good sign, but it does not mean someone is perfect. Most people use it to mean “promising” rather than “certain”.

Examples in the Wild:

• “He asks how my day went. Green flag.”

  Meaning: That is a good, caring habit.

• “She was kind to the waiter, huge green flag.”

  Meaning: It shows good character.

• “Loves a cuppa, green flag.”

  Meaning: A fun, harmless thing I like about them.

Similar Slang:

Safe, Facts, Bestie, Cuppa, Fairs, Red Flag

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