red tag

¹

noun

1. a tag or other marker colored red and used to categorize something for a special purpose:

   Items with a red tag are on sale today.

red-tag

²

[ red-tag ]

verb (used with object)

, red-tagged, red-tag·ging.

1. to attach a red tag to, as merchandise for special sale.
2. to identify for a specific purpose; earmark:

   The inspector red-tagged the restaurant for health violations.

adjective

1. pertaining to or composed of something that has been red-tagged:

   the store's annual red-tag sale.

Word History and Origins

Origin of red tag¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

She described airlines as the "first line of defence" and pointed out that laws require them to isolate, put a red tag on and lock up in a secure vault any potentially "bogus parts".

From BBC

“We’re going to red tag it all,” he added.

From Washington Post

But if there’s visible damage to the heater, or if the gas company disconnects service and leaves a red tag on the furnace, take a picture and keep a copy for your records.

From Los Angeles Times

Told by a Sky reporter that the Taliban were a "red tag bunch of thugs", Raab said: "I'm not going to dissent from that view but they are now in power, and we now need to deal with that reality."

From Reuters

“I am relieved that at the end of the day, this is their report, they found no safety problems,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn, who dispatched the inspectors following a CBS news report suggesting that county officials were threatening to red tag the buildings, a decision that would have required all their residents to leave.

From Los Angeles Times