no-no
B2Informal, conversational, sometimes used in professional/advice contexts.
Definition
Meaning
Something that is forbidden, unacceptable, or highly inadvisable.
A widely recognized rule, practice, or act that is considered improper, taboo, or socially prohibited, often based on convention, etiquette, or safety.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Always hyphenated. It functions as a compound noun. Implies a sense of strong prohibition, often based on unwritten social rules rather than formal law. Can be used humorously for minor infractions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Slightly more prevalent in American English. In British English, it may occasionally be perceived as a slightly Americanised informality.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a light, sometimes playful tone, even when referring to serious prohibitions.
Frequency
Common in both, with high frequency in parenting, lifestyle, and business etiquette contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
It is a no-no to + INF[Subject] is a no-noThat's a complete no-noVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “That's a big no-no.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"Using a competitor's confidential data is a clear professional no-no."
Academic
"Plagiarism is the ultimate academic no-no."
Everyday
"Putting your elbows on the table is considered a no-no by some."
Technical
Rare; would be phrased as 'prohibited action' or 'violation'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Shouting in the library is a no-no.
- Running in the hall is a big no-no at school.
- It's a no-no to use your mobile phone during the meeting.
- Wearing jeans to a formal interview is a real no-no.
- Asking about salary in the first interview is considered a major professional no-no.
- Bringing up politics at the dinner table can be a social no-no.
- The unauthorised disclosure of such data is an absolute no-no, potentially leading to immediate dismissal.
- While culturally nuanced, pointing with your finger can be a significant no-no in many Asian business contexts.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a parent shaking their head and saying 'No, no!' to a child – the repeated 'no' solidifies the prohibition.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL RULES ARE PHYSICAL BARRIERS (off-limits, forbidden zone).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'нет-нет'. It is not a refusal but a noun meaning 'табу', 'строгое запрещение'.
- Do not confuse with the verb construction 'to say no-no to something' which is non-standard.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as an adjective without a noun (e.g., 'That behaviour is no-no' – should be 'a no-no').
- Spelling it as 'nonono' or 'no no' (without hyphen).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'no-no' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily informal. In very formal writing, alternatives like 'prohibition', 'unacceptable practice', or 'taboo' are preferred.
No, it is strictly a noun. You cannot say 'a no-no activity'. You say 'that activity is a no-no'.
It is a reduplication of 'no', first recorded in the mid-20th century, likely originating from child-directed speech ('no, no!') to indicate strong prohibition.
Yes, the standard and dictionary-listed spelling is hyphenated: 'no-no'.