skull and crossbones

Poison label symbol

A skull and crossbones is an image of a human skull above two crossed bones, forming an X.

The symbol traditionally marked pirate flags and now appears on poison labels and hazardous materials as a warning of danger or death: The bottle was marked with a skull and crossbones.

Opposites
warning vs. safety indication

skull and crossbonessafety seal

Intact packaging verification

seal of approval · heart symbol · FDA approved · smiley face · certified organic

death vs. life symbolism

skull and crossbonestree of life

Diagram of evolutionary connections

ankh · heart · dove · flower · phoenix

threat vs. welcome/friendliness

skull and crossboneswelcome sign

Display announcing friendly reception

smiley face · white flag · olive branch · flag of truce · open arms

Family

cross, skull, bones, skulls, crossbones

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G