nono
MediumInformal
Definition
Meaning
A prohibition; something that is not allowed, unacceptable, or off-limits. Often used informally to signify a rule or boundary.
Can refer to a taboo, a sensitive or dangerous subject, or a mistake one should avoid. In some contexts, used as a childish term for a person's private parts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
It functions as a noun, often pluralized as 'nonos.' The meaning is derived from the repetition of 'no' for emphasis, creating a term for a rule by prohibition. It often carries a tone of social or personal etiquette.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use it similarly. The childish euphemism for private parts is slightly more common in UK English, but this is a minor distinction. The plural form 'no-nos' (with hyphen) is common in both.
Connotations
In both, it's conversational and slightly playful, even when discussing serious prohibitions.
Frequency
Equally informal and moderately common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
That's a nono.It's considered a nono to...One of the biggest nonos in this office is...You should avoid that nono.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A big no-no”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Referring to unacceptable behaviour in the workplace or a major breach of protocol.
Academic
Rare. Might be used informally to discuss methodological or ethical prohibitions in research.
Everyday
Common for discussing social rules, etiquette, parenting (e.g., 'Touching the stove is a nono'), or personal boundaries.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Shouting in the library is a nono.
- For babies, putting small toys in their mouth is a big nono.
- It's a social nono to arrive more than 15 minutes late to a dinner party.
- Wearing trainers with a suit is considered a fashion nono.
- Bringing up salary in the first interview is a major career nono.
- The consultant listed all the grammatical nonos to avoid in professional emails.
- The unspoken nonos of corporate culture can be more consequential than the written rules.
- His proposal violated several ethical nonos in psychological research.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a child shaking their head and saying 'no, no' to something forbidden. The repeated 'no' becomes the thing itself: a 'nono'.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROHIBITIONS ARE PHYSICAL BOUNDARIES (e.g., 'crossing a line', 'a major nono').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'нет-нет' in formal writing; it's a specific borrowed term. Do not confuse with the Russian childish word for 'sleep' (няня).
Common Mistakes
- Writing it as 'no no' (two separate words) in formal contexts where the hyphenated or solid form is expected.
- Using it in highly formal writing.
- Overusing it for minor infractions.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the use of 'nono' be LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The hyphenated form 'no-no' is the most common and standard in published writing. 'Nono' (without hyphen) is also accepted, especially in very informal digital communication. 'No no' as two separate words is generally considered incorrect for this meaning.
No. While it can denote serious taboos, it's often used for minor social or etiquette rules in a slightly humorous or light-hearted way (e.g., 'wearing white after Labour Day is a fashion nono').
No, 'nono' is exclusively a noun in standard usage. You cannot say 'He nonoed that behaviour.'
It is a reduplication of the word 'no,' used for emphatic effect. This pattern is common in informal and child-directed language (e.g., 'bye-bye,' 'night-night'). It emerged in the mid-20th century.