The fast forward key ( L by default ) should display an status message that says "Fast forward." just like how E ( The default slowmotion key ) shows "Slow motion."
Fast forward key ( L by default ) should show status message "Fast forward."
No status message.
[Try to bisect and tell us when this started happening]
You can find this information under Information/System Information
RetroArch: RetroArch Oct 31 2017
OS: Windows 10 64-bit
In the yellow OSD text at the bottom of the screen?
If we have UTF8, we could use โฉ
Yes the yellow text! "Slow motion." would need to be changed to โช because of consistency though.
Tried UTF8 character and it looked like this:

Guess we'll have to stick with "Fast forward."
Consistency is key :D