Top 40 Slang For Not-Allowed – Meaning & Usage

We all have those moments when we need to describe something that we’re not allowed to say out loud. Whether it’s at work, school, or in a public setting, we’ve all been there. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top slang words for not-allowed. From creative euphemisms to clever code words, we’ve got you covered. So the next time you find yourself in a situation where you can’t say what you really want to say, you’ll be armed with the perfect word to get your point across without breaking any rules. Get ready to expand your vocabulary and add a little mystery to your conversations!

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1. Verboten

This German term is used to describe something that is strictly prohibited or forbidden. It often carries a sense of strong disapproval or taboo.

For example, “Smoking is verboten in this establishment.”
A person might say, “That type of behavior is verboten in our household.”
In a workplace, a sign might read, “Access to this area is strictly verboten.”

2. Off-limits

This term refers to something that is restricted or not allowed. It implies that access or engagement with the particular thing is forbidden.

For instance, a parent might tell their child, “That room is off-limits.”
A sign might indicate, “This area is off-limits to unauthorized personnel.”
A person might say, “Sensitive information is off-limits to anyone without proper clearance.”

3. Banned

To be banned means to be officially or legally prohibited from doing or having something. It implies that there are strict rules or regulations in place that prevent access or engagement.

For example, “That substance is banned in this country.”
A sign might indicate, “Weapons are banned on these premises.”
A person might say, “That book was banned for its controversial content.”

4. Barred

To be barred means to be prevented from entering, participating, or having access to something. It often implies that there are specific restrictions or limitations in place.

For instance, “He was barred from entering the club because he was underage.”
A sign might read, “Unauthorized vehicles are barred from entering.”
A person might say, “She was barred from the competition due to a violation of the rules.”

5. Illicit

This term refers to something that is forbidden by law or not permitted. It implies that engaging in the particular activity or possessing the particular item is against established legal regulations.

For example, “The sale of illicit drugs is a serious crime.”
A person might say, “Engaging in illicit activities can result in severe consequences.”
A news headline might read, “Authorities seize illicit firearms in major operation.”

6. No-no

This term refers to an action or behavior that is not allowed or considered unacceptable. It is often used to warn or discourage someone from doing something.

For example, a parent might say to a child, “Playing with matches is a no-no.”
In a workplace, a supervisor might remind employees, “Using company resources for personal use is a no-no.”
A friend might advise, “Cheating on your partner is definitely a relationship no-no.”

7. Outlawed

This term describes something that has been officially prohibited or made illegal. It implies that the action or behavior is not allowed and can result in consequences.

For instance, “Cocaine is an outlawed substance in many countries.”
A person discussing a controversial topic might say, “The government should consider outlawing hate speech.”
A news report might state, “The use of single-use plastics has been outlawed in this city.”

8. Taboo

This term refers to actions, behaviors, or topics that are considered highly inappropriate or forbidden within a particular culture or society. It often carries a strong sense of social stigma.

For example, “In some cultures, discussing sex openly is considered taboo.”
A person might say, “Bringing up politics at a family gathering is a taboo subject.”
An article might discuss, “The taboo surrounding mental health in certain communities.”

9. Impermissible

This term describes something that is not permissible or allowed according to a specific set of rules, laws, or standards. It implies that the action or behavior is forbidden or prohibited.

For instance, “Smoking is impermissible in this building.”
A parent might tell their child, “Using foul language is impermissible in our household.”
A sign might state, “Parking in this area is impermissible without a valid permit.”

10. Against the law

This phrase is used to describe actions or behaviors that are in violation of the law and can result in legal consequences. It emphasizes that the action is not allowed and is punishable.

For example, “Driving under the influence is against the law.”
A police officer might say, “Vandalism is against the law and can result in arrest.”
A news headline might read, “Selling counterfeit goods is against the law.”

11. Forbidden

This term refers to something that is prohibited or not allowed. It indicates that an action or behavior is against the rules or regulations.

For instance, a sign might say, “Access to this area is forbidden.”
A parent might tell their child, “Playing with matches is forbidden.”
In a discussion about taboos, someone might say, “Certain topics are considered forbidden in polite conversation.”

12. Shady

This slang term describes something or someone that is questionable or suspicious. It implies that there may be dishonesty or illegality involved.

For example, a person might say, “That guy seems pretty shady. I wouldn’t trust him.”
In a conversation about a business deal, someone might comment, “The terms of that agreement seem a bit shady.”
A friend might warn another, “Be careful, that neighborhood can get pretty shady at night.”

13. Crooked

This slang term is used to describe something or someone that is dishonest or corrupt. It suggests that there is a lack of integrity or moral uprightness.

For instance, a person might say, “I don’t trust that politician, he’s crooked.”
In a discussion about scams, someone might warn, “Watch out for those crooked salespeople.”
A person might describe a rigged game as, “The whole thing was crooked from the start.”

14. Refused

This term indicates that something has been rejected or not granted. It implies that a request or action has been turned down or not allowed.

For example, a person might say, “I asked for a raise, but my boss refused.”
In a conversation about entry requirements, someone might comment, “They refused me entry because I didn’t have the proper identification.”
A customer might complain, “I wanted to return the item, but they refused to give me a refund.”

15. Restricted

This slang term refers to something that is subject to limitations or restrictions. It suggests that there are certain boundaries or rules that must be followed.

For instance, a sign might say, “Access to this area is restricted to authorized personnel only.”
In a discussion about age restrictions, someone might say, “This movie is restricted to viewers over 18.”
A person might comment, “Due to the pandemic, travel has been restricted to certain countries.”

16. Wildcat

This term refers to something that is not allowed or permitted. It suggests that the action or item is done or obtained without proper authorization or approval.

For example, “He started a wildcat strike without consulting the union.”
In a discussion about illegal activities, someone might say, “Buying wildcat cigarettes is against the law.”
A person might warn, “Be careful not to purchase wildcat software, as it may contain viruses or malware.”

17. Contraband

Contraband refers to goods or items that are prohibited by law. These can include illegal drugs, weapons, counterfeit goods, or any other items that are not allowed to be imported, exported, or possessed.

For instance, “The police found a stash of contraband in his car during a routine search.”
In a discussion about smuggling, someone might mention, “Contraband can be hidden in various ways to evade detection.”
A person might say, “It is important to declare all items when traveling internationally to avoid accidentally bringing contraband into another country.”

18. Proscribed

When something is proscribed, it means it is forbidden or not allowed. The term suggests that there are specific rules or regulations in place that prohibit the action or item.

For example, “Smoking is proscribed in this area.”
In a discussion about banned substances, someone might mention, “Certain drugs are proscribed due to their dangerous effects.”
A person might say, “It is important to follow the proscribed guidelines to avoid penalties or legal consequences.”

19. Vetoed

Vetoed refers to the act of rejecting or denying something. It implies that a decision or proposal has been disapproved or blocked by someone with the authority to do so.

For instance, “The president vetoed the bill, preventing it from becoming law.”
In a discussion about decision-making, someone might mention, “The committee vetoed the proposed changes due to budget constraints.”
A person might say, “The teacher vetoed my idea for the class project, so we had to come up with a new plan.”

20. Black-market

The black market refers to the illegal buying and selling of goods or services. It operates outside of the official or regulated channels, often involving illegal activities or transactions.

For example, “He purchased the stolen goods on the black market.”
In a discussion about prohibited substances, someone might mention, “Drugs are often sold on the black market.”
A person might say, “The black market thrives in areas where there is a high demand for restricted or scarce items.”

21. Closed-down

This term refers to something that has been officially closed or discontinued. It can be used to describe a business, venue, or event that is no longer operating.

For example, “The local bar closed down due to financial difficulties.”
A person might say, “The theater closed down after the owner retired.”
In a discussion about a canceled event, someone might comment, “I’m disappointed that the concert got closed down.”

22. Out of bounds

This phrase is used to describe something that is not allowed or prohibited. It typically refers to an area or action that is restricted or forbidden.

For instance, “The construction site is out of bounds for safety reasons.”
A teacher might tell their students, “Using your phone during class is out of bounds.”
In a sports game, a referee might call a player’s move out of bounds.

23. Prohibited

This word indicates that something is forbidden or not permitted. It is often used to describe actions, behaviors, or substances that are against the rules or regulations.

For example, “Smoking is prohibited in this area.”
A sign might state, “Photography is prohibited inside the museum.”
In a discussion about a school policy, someone might say, “Chewing gum is prohibited on campus.”

24. Unauthorized

This term is used to describe something that is done or accessed without proper permission or approval. It implies that the action or access is not allowed or authorized.

For instance, “The employee accessed unauthorized files on the company’s server.”
A person might say, “Entering the building without a pass is unauthorized.”
In a conversation about a book, someone might mention, “The unauthorized biography revealed scandalous details.”

25. Censored

This word refers to the act of suppressing or restricting certain information, content, or speech. It often implies that the material has been altered or removed to prevent its dissemination.

For example, “The government censored the news article to control the narrative.”
A person might say, “The explicit scenes in the movie were censored for a younger audience.”
In a discussion about freedom of speech, someone might argue, “Censorship limits our ability to express ourselves.”

26. Blacklisted

When something is blacklisted, it means that it has been officially banned or prohibited. It is often used in the context of being banned from a certain activity, website, or organization.

For example, “After multiple violations, his account was blacklisted from the platform.”
A person discussing a controversial figure might say, “Their behavior has led to being blacklisted by multiple companies.”
In a discussion about travel, someone might warn, “Be careful not to get blacklisted by customs for bringing prohibited items.”

27. Embargoed

When something is embargoed, it means that it is restricted or prohibited, usually in terms of trade or information. It refers to a temporary ban or restriction placed on an activity or the release of certain information.

For instance, “The government has placed an embargo on the export of certain goods.”
In a news article, it might be stated, “The release of the report has been embargoed until further notice.”
A person discussing a leaked document might say, “The information was under embargo until yesterday.”

28. Not permitted

When something is not permitted, it means that it is prohibited or disallowed. This phrase is a straightforward way of stating that something is not allowed.

For example, “Smoking is not permitted in this area.”
In a rulebook or policy document, it might be stated, “Any form of cheating is not permitted.”
A person discussing a restricted area might say, “Access to that building is not permitted without proper authorization.”

29. No-go

When something is a no-go, it means that it is off-limits or forbidden. This phrase is often used informally to indicate that a particular action or activity is not allowed.

For instance, “Sorry, that’s a no-go. We can’t proceed without the necessary permits.”
In a conversation about a party, someone might say, “Bringing outside food is a no-go.”
A person discussing a relationship might advise, “Dating a coworker is generally a no-go in most companies.”

30. Disallowed

When something is disallowed, it means that it is forbidden or prohibited. This term is often used in a formal or legal context to indicate that a certain action or behavior is not allowed.

For example, “The use of cell phones during the exam is disallowed.”
In a sports event, it might be stated, “Any form of physical contact that could cause harm is disallowed.”
A person discussing a specific rule might say, “According to the guidelines, that move is disallowed.”

31. Unsanctioned

Refers to something that is not officially approved or permitted. It implies that the action or behavior is done without proper authorization or endorsement.

For example, “The unsanctioned event was shut down by the authorities.”
In a discussion about sports, someone might say, “Using unsanctioned equipment is against the rules.”
A person might warn, “Participating in unsanctioned activities can lead to serious consequences.”

32. Infringing

Refers to an action or behavior that goes against a rule, law, or agreement. It suggests that the person is encroaching upon or trespassing a boundary or restriction.

For instance, “The company was fined for infringing copyright laws.”
In a conversation about intellectual property, someone might say, “Downloading pirated content is infringing on the rights of creators.”
A person discussing privacy might argue, “Sharing someone’s personal information without consent is infringing their privacy rights.”

33. Against the rules

Means not following the established guidelines or regulations. It indicates that the action or behavior is prohibited or forbidden by the rules in place.

For example, “Using your phone during the exam is against the rules.”
In a discussion about a game, someone might say, “That move is against the rules.”
A person might advise, “It’s important to understand the rules and not do anything against them.”

34. Forbidden fruit

Refers to something that is highly desirable or tempting but is off-limits or forbidden. The term often carries a sense of allure or excitement due to its forbidden nature.

For instance, “The forbidden fruit of gambling can be hard to resist.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might say, “We were drawn to each other like forbidden fruit.”
A person might confess, “I couldn’t resist the forbidden fruit and ended up breaking the rules.”

35. Contrary to regulations

Means not in accordance with the established regulations or guidelines. It suggests that the action or behavior is going against the prescribed rules or standards.

For example, “Parking in a no-parking zone is contrary to regulations.”
In a conversation about workplace policies, someone might say, “Using personal devices during working hours is contrary to regulations.”
A person might caution, “Make sure to read and understand the regulations to avoid doing anything contrary to them.”

36. Noncompliant

This term refers to someone or something that does not comply with the established rules or regulations. It implies a disregard for authority or a refusal to conform.

For example, a person might be described as noncompliant if they consistently break traffic laws.
In a workplace setting, a manager might address a noncompliant employee by saying, “You need to follow company policies.”
A student who consistently refuses to do their homework might be labeled as noncompliant by their teacher.

37. Unlawful

This term describes something that is prohibited or forbidden by law. It signifies an action or behavior that is not permitted within a legal framework.

For instance, drug possession is considered unlawful in many jurisdictions.
A person might say, “It is unlawful to drive without a valid license.”
In a discussion about copyright infringement, someone might argue, “Downloading copyrighted material without permission is unlawful.”

38. In violation of

This phrase indicates that someone or something is not in accordance with a specific rule, law, or regulation. It suggests a breach or disregard for the established guidelines.

For example, a person who parks in a no-parking zone is in violation of the parking regulations.
In a courtroom, a lawyer might argue, “The defendant’s actions were in violation of the terms of their probation.”
A sign might state, “No smoking in this area. Violators will be in violation of city ordinances.”

39. Not permissible

This term signifies that something is not allowed or permitted according to a set of rules or guidelines. It implies a restriction or prohibition on a specific action or behavior.

For instance, using cell phones during exams is not permissible in many educational institutions.
A parent might tell their child, “Playing video games past bedtime is not permissible.”
In a workplace, a supervisor might state, “Sharing confidential information with unauthorized individuals is not permissible.”

40. Not on

This phrase indicates that something is not acceptable or allowed within a particular context. It suggests a disapproval or prohibition of a specific action or behavior.

For example, using profanity during a formal event is not on.
A person might say, “Cheating on tests is not on. It goes against academic integrity.”
In a conversation about appropriate workplace behavior, someone might say, “Making inappropriate jokes is not on.”