Badge (disambiguation) facts for kids

A badge is a special item, like a small patch or a pin, that people wear or display. It shows that someone has achieved something, belongs to a group, or has a certain job or authority. Think of a police officer's badge, a scout's merit badge, or a school prefect's badge. Badges are often made of metal, cloth, or plastic. They can be worn on clothes, hats, or even displayed on vehicles.

What Are Different Types of Badges?

Badges come in many forms and are used for different purposes. Here are some common types:

Access Badges

An Access badge is like a special key that lets you enter certain places. These badges often have electronic chips inside. When you scan them, they open doors or allow you into restricted areas. Many schools, offices, and secure buildings use access badges to keep people safe. They help control who can go where.

Heraldic Badges

Heraldic badges are very old. They were used in the past, especially by royal families and knights. These badges showed who you supported or which noble family you belonged to. They often featured symbols like animals, plants, or special designs. They were a way to show loyalty and identity during important events or battles.

Pin-Back Buttons

In the United Kingdom, a common type of badge is often called a pin-back button. These are small, round badges with a picture or message on the front and a pin on the back. People wear them on their clothes to show support for a cause, a band, or just for fun. They are popular for expressing opinions or celebrating events.

Web Badges

A Web badge is a small image you see on websites. These digital badges are used to promote things like web standards, software, or special achievements. For example, a website might display a web badge to show it follows certain rules for good design or that it's secure. They are like digital stickers for websites.

Car Badges

Cars and trucks often have special logos or emblems on them. These are also called badges. They show the brand of the car, like a famous car company's symbol. Sometimes, car companies use a process called badge engineering. This is when they take a car model and put a different brand's badge on it. It makes the car look like a different brand, even if it's mostly the same underneath.

Badges in Pop Culture

Badges have also appeared in popular culture, from songs to movies.

Music and TV

• The song "Badge" was a famous rock song by the group Cream in the 1960s.
• An episode of the TV show Law & Order: Criminal Intent was also titled "Badge."

Famous Movie Quotes

• A well-known movie quote, "Stinking badges," comes from an old film. It's a funny line that people still remember and use today.