Safewords are a fundamental communication tool used in kink and BDSM to ensure all play remains consensual and safe. Unlike verbal roleplay, a safeword is a pre-negotiated signal that transcends the scene, indicating that a participant needs to pause or stop immediately. The most common system is the 'Traffic Light' method: Green means the pace is good, Yellow indicates a need to slow down or check-in, and Red signifies an absolute stop. Implementing clear safewords fosters a higher level of trust and psychological safety, allowing partners to explore their boundaries with confidence and mutual respect.