ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Flag semaphore

Flag semaphore is a way of sending messages using flags. Imagine you and your friend are standing far away from each other and you want to send him a message. You can't shout because he won't be able to hear you. So, what do you do?

You use flag semaphore! You hold two flags in your hands, one in each hand. The flags are usually colored red, yellow, or blue.

Each color represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, red means the letter "A," yellow means "N," and blue means "O." So, if you want to spell the word "NO," you hold up the yellow and blue flags.

But using flags is not enough. You also need to move your arms in different positions to communicate the letters. For example, you hold your right arm straight up and your left arm straight down to signal the letter "A."

Overall, flag semaphore is a way to send messages using flags and arm movements. It is like playing a game of charades, but with flags instead of words.