Topics: Sign


An indexical sign is a type of sign where there is a direct physical or causal connection between the signifier and the signified.

  • Smoke is an indexical sign of fire.
  • Beeping and flashing in a machine is an indexical sign.
  • “Here” and “there” are indexical signs in regards to the present time and place.
  • Accents are indexical signs of the (geographical, socioeconomic) origins of somebody.