Definitions
What is a safeword?
A safeword is a pre-agreed word or signal that means "stop" or "slow down," whatever else is happening in the scene.
People often use a simple traffic-light system: green means keep going, yellow means slow down or check in, red means stop. A safeword only works if everyone agrees on each word's meaning beforehand. If someone might not be able to speak, it helps to agree on a physical signal too.
After someone uses a safeword like "red", it is recommended to stop the scene and provide aftercare accordingly.
Keep reading: What if we have different aftercare needs?
Written for the kink community by Aidan Sunassee.