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 of¯\_(ツ)_/¯ - 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: 'What’s the most high-risk, low-reward thing you’ve 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 someone’s 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 – 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
How do you know what emojis mean? ›
Using an emoji dictionary app
The App Store has all kinds of apps, including some that tell you the meaning or full name of emojis. One such app is Emoji Meanings Dictionary List, which is available for free. Download the app and browse for your favorite emoji to get their meaning.
😘 Face Throwing a Kiss emoji
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.
🥺 Pleading Face Emoji
It is meant to represent the typical face one makes when pleading, that is, trying to win their compassion or sympathy. Besides conveying such acts as pleading, begging, or beseeching, the Pleading Face emoji 🥺 also variously conveys sadness, guilt, cuteness, and even arousal.
Red heart: its meaning expresses love or romance. Orange heart: related to the love that can exist between two friends. Yellow heart: a pure and sincere love linked to friendship. Green heart: related to health, hope and nature. Blue heart: signifies trust and security.
What does 🍆 💦 😋 mean? ›👅🌮💦 and 👅🍆💦 both mean "let's have oral sex."
What does 😮 💨 🍆 mean? ›Used to represent relief, exhaustion, or as a sigh of disappointment or displeasure. May also be used to indicate the exhaling of smoke.
What does 😜 mean in texting? ›😜 Winking Face with Tongue
Often conveys a sense of fun, excitement, wackiness, buffoonery, or joking.
The 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.
What does 😘 😏 mean? ›Emoji 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. Not to be confused with 😒 Unamused Face, which has similar eyes but a pouting mouth.
What does 💕 Two Hearts emoji mean? 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.
What does 😜 mean flirting? ›
😘 (Face Blowing a Kiss) Emoji
A 😘 emoji could be his way of saying, “I like you.” This flirtatious emoji is the perfect addition to any text, whether he's complimenting you or saying goodnight. If you get a 😘 emoji, chances are he's got more than just a little crush. Send a 😘 emoji back to return his kiss.
😮💨 Face Exhaling emoji
The emoji is used to represent feelings of exhaustion, smoking, and exhaling a big sigh.
❤️🔥 Heart on Fire emoji
It can be used to represent passionate love (“burning love”) or intense liking of something.
Who uses 💜 Purple Heart emoji? Like the many other heart emoji such as Red Heart ❤️ and Blue Heart 💙, the Purple Heart emoji 💜 is generally used to convey love and other strong, affectionate, positive feelings.
What does ❤ ❤ heart emoji mean? ›What does Red Heart emoji ❤️ mean? The red heart emoji is used in warm emotional contexts. It can be used to express gratitude, love, happiness, hope, or even flirtatiousness.
What does 🍆 🍑 💦 mean? ›Booty calls refer to a (usually casual) offer to hook up. If you see the 🍆 (eggplant) emoji and you really want to get intimate with this person, send them the emoji phrase that's code for “booty call:” 🍑📞.
What does the 🍆 🍆 mean? ›The 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. And, that's how you sext …
What does 👅 💦 mean from a guy? ›🧠 — Oral sex. 💦 — Ejaculation. 👅 — May indicate sexual activity, especially oral sex.
What does 👉👈 mean from a guy? ›👉👈 — Shy, nervous – usually in the context of flirting.
What does 🍒 mean in texting? ›🍒 means you're in a committed relationship since the emoji features 2 cherries joined by their stems. It might also mean “twins” or “best friends.” “We're engaged! 💍🍒” “Shout out to my bestie, she's the realest 🍒”
What does 🙈 mean in texting? ›
The 🙈 (See-No-Evil Monkey) emoji is often used to express embarrassment, shyness, or the desire to cover one's eyes and avoid seeing something awkward or uncomfortable.
What does ☕ 🐸 mean? ›The frog (sometimes followed by the cup of tea): 🐸 ☕️ This actually has quite a specific meaning — a sassy 'but that's none of my business', usually used after a disparaging remark. How? Why?
What does 👁👄👁 mean from a girl? ›👁👄👁 means you're shocked or stunned, like your eyes went wide and jaw fell open. It's the perfect catch-all emotion for these trying times.
What does 🥂 mean from a girl? ›What Does 🥂 Mean From A Girl. From a girl, the clinking glasses emoji 🥂 may be used the same way as from a guy. It can be used to virtually clink glasses as a form of celebration or appreciation with someone. It may also be used to express joy and happiness for something special, such as an achievement or milestone.
What does 👅 🍆 mean from a girl? ›When you're feeling flirty and playful, you can send the 👅 emoji to show your partner that you're in the mood for some sexting. Pair 👅 with other emojis like 🍆 (eggplant), 🍑 (peach), 🌮 (taco), and 💦 (sweat droplets) to make it clear that you're referencing oral sex with your partner.
What does 😏 mean in texting? ›Time to break out the smirking face emoji to make sure your sexy innuendo lands. Adding this emoji to a text indicates you are flirting or sending a suggestive message. On social media it can also mean you are feeling smug and self-satisfied because you just did something baller.
What does 🙃 mean in flirting? ›They're goofing around with you. In a flirty message, the 🙃 emoji can carry the same weight as 😏 and 😈. So if they start sending a bunch of 🙃 in a row, they're probably trying to keep things light, playful, and flirty.
What does this emoji mean 😍? ›What does Smiling Face With Heart-Shaped Eyes emoji 😍 mean? All the meanings for the smiling face with heart-shaped eyes emoji are very positive and warm. This emoji is associated with adoration, love, or extreme positivity toward a specific subject (romantic or not).
What does 😳 mean from a girl? ›🔤 Meaning. 😳 Flushed Face depicts a smiley with wide eyes and red cheeks, as if blushing with embarrassment, shame, or shyness. It may also convey a wide range of other feelings to varying degrees of intensity, including surprise, disbelief, amazement, excitement, and affection.
What does 🤮 mean slang? ›What does 🤮 Face Vomiting emoji mean? Ugh, nasty! That's the sentiment (and appearance) of the face with open mouth vomiting emoji, used to express literal and metaphorical disgust.
What does ❣ mean from a guy? ›
The ❣️ emoticon is used to show enthusiastic affection towards someone or something. It is an exclamation mark but decorated with a heart. You normally use it to show agreement over something you really love.
What does 4 dots mean in texting? ›Unlike 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 (…) and the fourth dot is a full ...
What does 🌸 mean from a girl? ›When sexting, this flower emoji is often interchanged with the 🌷 to represent female genitalia. If someone's using sexual language and a 🌺, they're likely referring to sex with a woman.
What is the most flirtatious emoji? ›1. The iconic wink 😉 You can't go wrong with a classic winky face emoji. Whether you're testing the waters or moving forward with full flirty force, sprinkling a winky emoji here and there is guaranteed to signal to your crush that you're flirting hard.
Is 😋 flirty? ›A 😋 emoji can be used to flirt.
With its smiley eyes and face, the 😋 emoji is a playfully animated emoji that says, “Hey, I kinda like you.” You may see this tongue-out emoji at the end of a sweet compliment or paired with other flirtatious emojis like a 😉.
What does 😤 Face with Steam from Nose emoji mean? This face with steam from nose emoji depicts an angry or highly annoyed face, eyes closed, brows scrunched up, and steam coming from the nostrils. It's used to express a variety of emotions, ranging from frustration to pumped-up passion about a particular topic.
How do you respond to 🖕 emoji? ›- “alrighty then 😊”
- “message received 😊”
- “hehe ok 😊”
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 “love” in a sentence or to convey warm feelings for someone or something.
What does mean <3 mean? ›The emoticon <3. means "Love" or "I Love You." The characters < and 3 (which together mean "less than three") form a picture of a heart on its side and are used as an emoticon, meaning "love" or "I love you." For example: Sam: <3.
What are the symbols for mean? ›The symbol 'μ' represents the population mean. The symbol 'Σ Xi' represents the sum of all scores present in the population (say, in this case) X1 X2 X3 and so on. The symbol 'N' represents the total number of individuals or cases in the population.
What does 💛 mean in texting? ›
The yellow heart emoji, 💛, can convey love, just like any other heart symbol or emoji, but its yellow color often gets used to show liking and friendship (as opposed to romantic love). Its color also works with expressions of happiness—and with all things yellow, from sports team colors to dresses.
What does 💟 mean from a girl? ›What does 💟 Heart Decoration emoji mean? The Heart Decoration emoji 💟 depicts a classic, white heart on a purple or pink square. It is commonly used to convey love, affection, and other positive emotions.
What does ❤ and 💕 mean? ›You send the most snaps to this person, and they send the most snaps to you. ❤ Red Heart – You have been #1 BFs with each other for two weeks straight. 💕 Pink Hearts – You have been #1 BFs with each other for two months straight.
What does ❤️💙 mean? ›A platonic connection.
While a ❤️ (red heart) emoji often refers to a traditional romance, a 💙 draws attention to a unique “bromance,” or, a connection between buddies that are as close as brothers. A 💙 is also appropriate for a casual friendship with someone you occasionally catch up with.
💓 Beating Heart emoji
Depicting a pulsing pink or red heart symbol, the beating heart emoji is used as an intensive form of the red heart emoji ❤️, expressing passionate love, happiness, excitement, and even obsession. It can also be used to convey ideas or feelings of health, vitality, and life.
It's used to communicate a range of feelings, including smugness, self-confidence, self-indulgence, mischief, cheeky humor, and general satisfaction. 😏 Smirking Face especially implies, however, flirtation and sexual innuendo.
Is this emoji 😏 flirting? ›Time to break out the smirking face emoji to make sure your sexy innuendo lands. Adding this emoji to a text indicates you are flirting or sending a suggestive message. On social media it can also mean you are feeling smug and self-satisfied because you just did something baller.
What does 🤤 mean? › (Hot Face) Meanings
If someone sends you (hot face), they're really feeling the heat!
What does 💕 Two Hearts emoji mean? 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.
What does 😜 mean from a girl? ›😜 Winking Face with Tongue
Often conveys a sense of fun, excitement, wackiness, buffoonery, or joking.
What does 🍆 mean from a girl? ›
As 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 👉👈 mean in texting? ›👉👈 — Shy, nervous (usually in the context of flirting)
What does 😛 mean from a guy? ›What does 😛 Face with Tongue emoji mean? The face with tongue emoji means a few different things. It's playful, cheeky, sassy, and can imply a joke, or a bit of lasciviousness. It's also often used with cute dog posts, though there is a dog face emoji with its tongue sticking out in the same fashion …
What does 💦 mean in texting? ›A 💦 (sweat drop) emoji can mean someone's “thirsty," or attracted to you.
What does 🔥 mean from a guy? ›It is used to signify that something is cool, awesome, exciting, or more colloquially, “on fire.” It can also convey that someone is sexy, (i.e., hot), or refer to other various metaphorical fires.
What does 🤤 mean from a guy? ›🤤 Drooling Face emoji
This emoji is used to convey such lust and longing as well as naptime—a 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 “idiotic.”