Whether it's a creeped out moon or a sexually-motivated lorry, the true meanings of emoji can be baffling.
Some even believe that Holly Willoughby has jumped on the cryptic Gen Z bandwagon, posting a pink heartto show 'girl power' amid the Phillip Schofield fiasco.
With thousands to choose from, it's no wonder that misunderstandings occur, leading us down a rabbit hole ofawkward conversations and clarifications.
To dodge disaster, MailOnline has revealed some of the most puzzling emoji and their secret meanings.
The truth may just surprise you.
Whether it's a creeped out moon or a sexually-motivated lorry, the true meanings of emoji can be baffling
Some even believe that Holly Willoughby has jumped on the cryptic Gen Z bandwagon, posting a pink heart to show 'girl power' amidst the Phillip Schofield fiasco
It is what it is: 'That moment you're left speechless, confused, unsettled. Unsure what you just saw, unsure what to do next'
1. It is what it is
'I think I'm having a quarter life crisis' and 'I did a squat the wrong way' are among thousands of posts sharing this cryptic eye emoji combination.
So, what does it mean?
Tech expert Josh Constine claims it's the modern day version ofยฏ\_(ใ)_/ยฏ - a feeling of helplessness in the midst of unravelling chaos.
'That moment you're left speechless, confused, unsettled. Unsure what you just saw, unsure what to do next. But there's no denying what happened. It is what it is,' he wrote.
As it turns out, there's an entire Twitter account dedicated to just this emoji, which jokingly released a statement to confirm that it simply is 'what it is'.
The unverified account claims: 'A group of us changed our Twitter names to include *emoji* because we thought it was a funny trend from TikTok.
'People started noticing the change on their timelines, noting the creepiness of the emoji in particular.
'For a brief period of time, everyone who added the emoji to their name was added to a giant Twitter group conversation. From there, things unfolded.'
'I think I'm having a quarter life crisis' and 'I did a squat the wrong way' are among thousands of posts sharing this cryptic eye emoji combination
These peeping eyes are widely used to react to any unfolding tensions or drama online
2. Unfolding drama
There's also more to what meets the eye with this next emoji - often referred to as the side glance.
These peeping eyes are widely used to react to any unfolding tensions or drama, according to retailer Fonehouse.
For instance, just two years ago, Twitter was flooded with comments as many claimed that an American anti-bullying activist was throwing shade at former president Bill Clinton.
Monica Lewinsky posted just this emoji alone when asked: 'Whatโs the most high-risk, low-reward thing youโve ever done?'
Followers widely viewed her emoji response as a nod to the affair she once had with Clinton, but this has not been confirmed.
Despite this, there's no doubt that the side-eye can be used for more simple purposes suchas calling someone attractive or suggesting you've spotted something.
Twitter was flooded with comments as many claimed that an American anti-bullying activist was throwing shade at former president Bill Clinton
This emoji combination is widely recognised as a way of expressing shyness and even hesitation to ask a question
3. Shyness
If you thought these were just two pointing fingers, think again.
This emoji combination is widely recognised as a way of expressing shyness and even hesitation to ask a question.
Emoji experts atKnow Your Memesaid: 'Although the set of emoji have been used since they were available for iPhone in 2011, the action of performing the finger touch or adding it to text in memes became popular in March 2020 on Twitter and TikTok.'
The site also claims it is often used to express 'simping' which was one of the most Googled words amidst the pandemic in 2020.
This slang term refers to adesperate man who would do a bit too much for a woman they like.
Perhaps best avoided if you're not keen on being the office sex pest.
It is often used to express 'simping' referring to a desperate man who would do a bit too much for a woman they like
You may know that peach emoji are often used to show buttocks, but what about a lorry?
4. Large bottom
You may know that peach emoji are often used to symbolise buttocks, but what about a lorry?
Parental control software Barkwarns that the so-called 'dump truck' can refer to a large and/or shapely bottom.
Gen-Zers often use this in combination with the taco and noodles emoji, meaning vagina and nudes respectively.
Bark said: 'Lately, sexual language and slang has been evolving extra quickly because of the different rules social media platforms have for certain words.
'For example, on TikTok, posts that feature the word "sex" may get taken down. To prevent this from happening, users may use an alternate spelling like "seggs" to get past it.
'Eventually, once you start seeing this term enough, it becomes interchangeable with "sex".'
Gen-Zers often use the truck in combination with the taco and noodles emoji, meaning vagina and nudes respectively
The so-called hair flip emoji has become synonymous with sassiness or sarcasm online
5. Sassy
To some, this emoji may appear as a shrug or even a wave, but it's much more than that.
The so-called hair flip emoji has become synonymous withsassiness or sarcasm in the online world.
While there are many depictions of this emoji, including a gender-unspecified version, its earliest form was a woman.
As a result, the emoji has also been linked to 'girl boss' culture, which Collins dictionary defines as: 'Awoman who is self-made, independent, runs their own business and acting at their own boss'.
From its earliest depictions in Adam and Eve, the snake has always symbolised slyness
6. Backstabber
From its earliest depictions in Adam and Eve, the snake has always symbolised slyness.
Now, Gen-Zers are using it too, when discussing backstabbers and online controversies.
For instance, in 2018, Kim Kardashian's Twitter was flooded with snake and rat emojias followers claimed she had bullied Taylor Swift for two years.
This came after Kanye West's controversial song Famous which included the lyrics of: 'I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex/I made that b**ch famous.'
This emoji - albeit just a smiling moon - is widely used by Gen-Zers to show they're feeling freaked out by something
While the rapper claimed to have Taylor's permission , she disputed this, sparking the Twitter fiasco as Kim called her a snake.
7. Creeped out
While the smiling moon emoji may look innocent, it is now widely used by Gen-Zers to show they are freaked out by something.
'Popularly perceived as creepy, used to throw shade (express disapproval), or convey various suggestive or ironic sentiments,' Emojingswrites.
Others may also use it in a sarcastic way when flirting with someone online.
When an attractive man posts on Instagram claiming they are 'so ugly', Gen-Zers may be tempted to comment the fishing emoji
8. Fishing for compliments
When an attractive man posts on Instagram claiming they're ugly, Gen-Zers may be tempted to comment the fishing emoji.
According toWhatEmoji.org, this depiction can be used to hint that someone is fishing for compliments.
'Do you sense that someoneโs fishing for something? Are you texting that person about it, giving them a reality check or telling someone else about the same? If yes, you can use [fishing emoji] in those contexts,' the site wrote.
READ MORE:Never use emoji in work emails! Smiley face emoticons make you seem incompetent, claim scientists
While you might think that adding a 'smiley' emoji to a work email helps to convey a friendly tone, a new study suggests that the practice could be more of a hindrance than a help.
Scientists indicate that using smiley face emoji in work-related emails can make you seem incompetent โ especially if you don't know the recipient.
The researchers hope their findings will encourage people to think twice before adding emoji to professional emails.
Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev looked at the effect of using emoji in work-related emails.
Dr Ella Glikson, one of the authors of the study, said: 'Our findings provide first-time evidence that, contrary to actual smiles, smileys do not increase perceptions of warmth and actually decrease perceptions of competence.'
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FAQs
What is the real meaning of emojis? โบ
In simple terms, emojis are depictions of human emotions, living beings, objects and even certain symbols. These can be used across the internet such as in text messaging, social media platforms and pretty much on any informal modes of communication.
What does ๐ฎ ๐จ ๐ mean? โบEmoji Meaning
A face showing a visible breath of air being dispelled. Used to represent relief, exhaustion, or as a sigh of disappointment or displeasure. May also be used to indicate the exhaling of smoke.
๐ ๐ฎ๐ฆ and ๐ ๐๐ฆ both mean "let's have oral sex."
What does ๐ฅฐ ๐ mean? โบDepicting a classic yellow smiley face turned upside down, ๐ Upside-Down Face commonly conveys sarcasm, irony, humor, and silliness. It is frequently used as a playful indication of awkwardness, frustration, ambivalence, or bemused resignation, as if saying, "Oh well!"
Do emojis have hidden meanings? โบEach emoji has a literal meaning (it's a peach), but many of them also have secondary meanings that evolve over time (it's also a butt!). Often, the secondary meaning eclipses the first: only 7% of users actually use the peach emoji to represent the fruit.
What does ๐ mean from a girl? โบIt's used to communicate a range of feelings, including smugness, self-confidence, self-indulgence, mischief, cheeky humor, and general satisfaction.
What does this emoji mean ๐ ๐ ๐ฆ? โบThe eggplant emoji is frequently combined with other emoji. When paired with the mouth emoji, it means oral sex. When paired with the peach emoji, (a butt or female genitalia), it means anal or vaginal sex. When next to the sweat droplets emoji, it means ejaculation.
What is the meaning of ๐ ๐? โบ๐ Middle Finger emoji
The middle finger emoji represents the physical act of raising one's middle fingerโconsidered an obscene gesture in many culturesโand is used for offensive or humorous effect.
๐ง โ Oral sex. ๐ฆ โ Ejaculation. ๐ โ May indicate sexual activity, especially oral sex.
What does ๐ฆ ๐ฆ mean in texting? โบA ๐ฆ (sweat drop) emoji with a ๐ (mouth) emoji or ๐ (tongue) emoji represents oral sex. โI'm going to give you a nice treat after work. ๐ ๐ฆโ Be careful, though, because a ๐ฆ (sweat drop) emoji next to the ๐ (tongue) emoji can simply say their mouth is watering.
What does the ๐ฅ mean? โบ
Sometimes they even use them to communicate different things on different platforms. Take the innocent avocado ๐ฅ, for example. Used in a text, it can simply mean "eating an avocado," but on Snapchat, it refers to being the "better half" of a couple in a romantic relationship.
What does ๐ฅ mean in TikTok? โบThe brain emoji you see all over TikTok is actually code for oral sex.
What does ๐๐ mean in text from girl? โบ๐๐ โ Shy, nervous โ usually in the context of flirting.
What does ๐๐ mean in texting? โบ๐๐ โ Shy, nervous (usually in the context of flirting)
What does the ๐ ๐ mean from a girl? โบAs its fuzzy, cleft appearance looks like a plump rear end, the peach emoji quickly came to stand for buttocks on social media and in text messages, especially a woman's in sexual contexts.
What does ๐ฝ mean from a girl? โบThe ๐ฝ emoji is a slang term for pornography.
The ๐ฝ emoji might be used to represent adult content on other social media platforms, but it's most well-known for its TikTok popularity.
It is what it is" It's a modern, emoji take to ยฏ\_(ใ)_/ยฏ in these new and unusual times. " ๐๐๐ means you feel helpless amidst the chaotic realities unfolding around us, but there is no escape." โ
What does the โค ๐ฅ mean? โบโค๏ธโ๐ฅ Heart on Fire emoji
It can be used to represent passionate love (โburning loveโ) or intense liking of something.
๐ Two Hearts emoji
Portraying two heart symbols, with the larger one bigger and in the front, the two hearts emoji is widely used to express love, affection, pleasure, or happiness.
This Smiling Face With Horns emoji ๐ means trouble, especially in the form of devil characters, bad boys and girls, general mischief, and sexual innuendo. This emoji is typically portrayed as a purple face with the same furrowed brows as the Angry Face emoji ๐ โbut with an impish smile and two horns.
What does the ๐ mean in a text? โบ
๐ means you're in a committed relationship since the emoji features 2 cherries joined by their stems.
What does ๐ฅ mean in texting? โบWho uses ๐ฅ Cucumber emoji? Social-media posts featuring salads, sushi rolls, and sexy pics are all places you might find the cucumber emoji. In texting, it's as popular as the eggplant in representing male genitalia. Yeah.
What does ๐ ๐ mean? โบEmoji Meaning
A yellow face with a sly, smug, mischievous, or suggestive facial expression. It features a half-smile, raised eyebrows, and eyes looking to the side. Often used to convey flirtation or sexual innuendo.
The "Sign of Four" was an outgrowth of an ancient symbol adopted by the Romans and by Christianity, Chi Rho (XP), standing for the first two letters of Christus in Greek letters; this was simplified to a reversed "4" in Medieval times. The evolution of this symbol is shown in M. J. Shah's article.
What does 3 symbols mean? โบemoticon means love on social media. This cute symbol is most commonly used to discuss romantic relationships, friendships, or passions when texting, tweeting, or posting. Someone may use a <3 to replace the word โloveโ in a sentence or to convey warm feelings for someone or something. โI <3.
What is the meaning of ๐ ๐? โบEmoji Meaning
A middle finger emoji, used in some western cultures as a rude or insulting gesture.
What does ๐ Vulcan Salute emoji mean? Live long and prosper, friends! If you ever need to spread the love to your geekier friends, then flash a ๐. The Vulcan salute emoji, ๐, is perfect for showing your Star Trek cred or sci-fi pride more generally.
What does mean of 3 mean? โบ"Coy Smile" is the most common definition for :3 on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
What does ๐คค mean from a guy? โบ๐คค Drooling Face emoji
This emoji is used to convey such lust and longing as well as naptimeโa less sexy time to drool. People seen as stupid are sometimes mocked as slobbering and slack-jawed, so the emoji also sometimes gets used to call someone or something โidiotic.โ
The Skull and Crossbones emoji โ ๏ธ is used to mean death or danger, both literally and figuratively. Rip stream! โ ๏ธ Internet went out!
What does the ๐ mean? โบ
Like the many other heart emoji such as Red Heart โค๏ธ and Blue Heart ๐, the Purple Heart emoji ๐ is generally used to convey love and other strong, affectionate, positive feelings.
What does XXL mean in texting? โบabbreviation. Extra extra large, the size above XL (extra large)
What does 4 dots mean in texting? โบUnlike the three-dot disappearing act seen while texting, where the implication is that the conversation is still going, the four dots in a text message is similar to NRN and EOD, which indicates "no reply needed" and it's the "end of discussion." The first three dots are an ellipsis (โฆ) and the fourth dot is a full ...
What does 88 mean in slang? โบ88 is the name of a gang in the 2006 American film Gridiron Gang starring Dwayne Johnson. In the United States Navy, 88 is slang for the word "what". For example, "88 are you doing tonight?"
What does ๐๐ mean on TikTok? โบThe majority of people agree that it means 'shy'. As if you were twiddling your fingers together, nervously. The emojis can often be paired with the emoji too, for extra nervous vibes. The emoji sequence can be used if you're about to ask someone a soft, yet risky question, or if you're just feeling hella shy.
What does the ๐ ฟ trend mean? โบA ๐
ฟ๏ธ represents all things positive.
This meaning became popular after rapper Gunna used it in a Tweet in 2022 to promote his new album and song โpushin P.โ Fans speculated what the ๐
ฟ๏ธ meant until Gunna clarified that it represents the positives of life and a drive to be good.
The ๐ emoji is usually a stand in for weed on TikTok.
If you see the ๐ emoji popping up on TikTok, especially if it's paired with the ๐จ emoji (used as a symbol for smoke), there's a good chance it has something to do with weed. โ#๐๐จโ
The ellipsis ... (/ษหlษชpsษชs/, also known informally as dot dot dot) is a series of dots that indicates an intentional omission of a word, sentence, or whole section from a text without altering its original meaning. The plural is ellipses.
What does it mean when a girl sends ๐ ๐? โบThe ๐ (smiling face with smiling eyes emoji) is used to express feelings of happiness or warmness.
What does B mean in texting to a girl? โบB is an affectionate term for a loved one. It is often times used to address a homie, ya girl, or ya moms.
What does UWU ๐ ๐ mean? โบ
A girl might also use โuwuโ to convey bashfulness.
Among uwu's many uses, some girls also use it to express shyness or a cute sort of sheepishness. This is often accompanied by the โ๐๐โ emojis, which convey a pleading or demure meekness.
A hand with thumb and little (pinky) finger extended, making a traditional phone-like shape. May be used in conjunction with a face to suggest โcall meโ (please). Not to be confused with the sign of the horn. Commonly used as a shaka sign, which is a similar gesture at a different orientation.
What does ๐ mean from a girl? โบThe eggplant emoji is frequently combined with other emoji. When paired with the mouth emoji, it means oral sex. When paired with the peach emoji, (a butt or female genitalia), it means anal or vaginal sex.
What does ๐ mean in texting? โบ๐ Two Hearts emoji
Portraying two heart symbols, with the larger one bigger and in the front, the two hearts emoji is widely used to express love, affection, pleasure, or happiness.
๐ (Face Blowing a Kiss) Emoji
A ๐ emoji could be his way of saying, โI like you.โ This flirtatious emoji is the perfect addition to any text, whether he's complimenting you or saying goodnight. If you get a ๐ emoji, chances are he's got more than just a little crush. Send a ๐ emoji back to return his kiss.
They're goofing around with you. In a flirty message, the ๐ emoji can carry the same weight as ๐ and ๐. So if they start sending a bunch of ๐ in a row, they're probably trying to keep things light, playful, and flirty.
What does ๐ฆ ๐ฆ mean from a guy? โบA ๐ฆ (sweat drop) emoji can mean someone's โthirsty," or attracted to you.
What does ๐ฆ mean from a boy? โบ๐ง โ Oral sex. ๐ฆ โ Ejaculation. ๐ช โ Erection. ๐ โ May indicate sexual activity, especially oral sex.
What is the meaning of <3 โค? โบ<3. and heart emoji can be used to express love or affection for a person or fondness for some event or content.
What does it mean when a girl sends you ๐? โบIt is commonly used to represent relationships, romance, and to express love for people and things.
What does ๐ mean from a boy? โบ
Peach Emoji Meaning from a Boy
Sexual or Flirtatious Meaning: The peach emoji is used to represent a person's buttocks, which can be seen as a sexual or flirtatious innuendo.
๐ Face Throwing a Kiss emoji
Smooch! Mwah! The winky-kissy face throwing a kiss emoji, or kissing face, is mostly used to express romantic affection or appreciation for someone or something.
Who uses โฃ๏ธ Heart Exclamation emoji? Like the many other heart emojis, such as Sparkling Heart emoji ๐ , Beating Heart emoji ๐, or Growing Heart emoji ๐, the Heart Exclamation emoji โฃ๏ธ is used to convey love, affection, and other positive feelings.
What does ๐ฎ mean in text? โบA postbox (mailbox, letterbox) with a letter in its slot for collection. Generally depicted in red with a white envelope, styled after public postboxes in Japan. May also evoke postboxes in the United Kingdom. Used for various content concerning postal deliveries and email.
What does ๐ mean from a guy? โบWhat does ๐ Vulcan Salute emoji mean? Live long and prosper, friends! If you ever need to spread the love to your geekier friends, then flash a ๐. The Vulcan salute emoji, ๐, is perfect for showing your Star Trek cred or sci-fi pride more generally.