logo
A Language Expert Breaks Down Gen Z's Common Emoji Meanings — & How Adults Are Misunderstanding Them

A Language Expert Breaks Down Gen Z's Common Emoji Meanings — & How Adults Are Misunderstanding Them

Yahoo12 hours ago
Emojis were created to convey thoughts more easily — but they seem more confusing than ever. Texting someone your age or older is fairly straightforward. Texting a teen on the other hand? We can barely decode their slang and grammar usage, so there's no way we can keep up with their emoji choices too!
In a time before emojis, we had to get creative. Like smiley faces ':)', hearts '<3', laughing 'xD', and if you were really advanced, shrugging '¯\_(ツ)_/¯'. So when emojis became popular (the crying laughing emoji 😂 was the Oxford Dictionaries' Word of the Year in 2015), our millennial hearts rejoiced. Now there is a pictograph for everything! Laughing face, crying face, hearts in every color. Food, flags, families — we barely needed words anymore because we could have entire emoji conversations. We laughed at the poop emoji, advocated for more diverse options, and even made an entire Emoji Movie. We thought we were funny using eggplants and peaches to represent something that wasn't food (*wink wink*).
More from SheKnows
Walmart Has $3 Touchland Hand Sanitizer Dupes & Shoppers Love Them 'More Than the Real Thing'
But then something changed. A younger generation came in and everything we thought we knew about emojis shifted. Teens and young adults are using emojis in weird ways — and reacting to our emoji use in even weirder ways. Why are they using a skull? What's up with the random pregnant women? Why do they get so mad when we send a thumbs up?!
Some of these we've figured out with context clues — 👍is passive aggressive — but others we're at a total loss. In honor of World Emoji Day today, we asked a language expert to help us decode Gen Z's commonly used emojis and how adults are misunderstanding them.
Emoji Slang
Taking emojis at face value is your first mistake. Gen Z uses it to mean something completely different and represent the trends and slang of the moment.
'Gen Z is the first generation to not remember a time before the internet, surrounded by rapid-fire communication and constantly evolving, compounding memes and trends,' Noël Wolf, a linguistic and cultural expert at the language learning platform Babbel, tells SheKnows.
'In that environment, language moves quickly and is often layered as trends play off on one another,' she continued. 'Emojis have become a kind of shorthand for irony, inside jokes, and social cues that don't always translate literally.'
Just look at Gen Z slang for example, with words like rizz, grug, skibidi, and more becoming part of common vernacular. 'It stands to reason that if we can create completely new words, emojis would take on a different meaning as well,' Wolf explains. 'Unlike previous generations, who may have used emojis as a direct emotional cue, Gen Z bends and repurposes them constantly — like a living, digital slang.'
Context-Dependent
You have to look at context clues and subtext to understand what teens are saying. 'Emojis are a mirror of the times,' Wolf explains. 'As communication becomes more visual, fast-paced, and filtered through social media, it's only natural that these small symbols carry a lot more cultural weight.'
'Emojis are today's slang, and like all slang, they reflect the values, humor, and creativity of the generation using them,' Wolf adds.
Unlike previous generations that use emojis literally (smiley face to mean happy, etc.), teens today are different. 'Gen Z uses emojis less as literal symbols and more as emotional tone-setters,' Wolf says.
'There's a layer of subtext in Gen Z's emoji use that can completely flip the meaning,' she explains. 'It's less about the emoji itself and more about how and when it's used — and whether the tone is ironic, sincere, or something in between. Each emoji is context dependent.'
Dark Humor
Dark humor is prominent in Gen Z internet culture, so it makes sense that it shows itself in their emoji use as well.
'One of the clearest examples is the skull, or sometimes the coffin, emoji which Gen Z uses to say 'I'm dead'—not to express fear or morbidity, but to show they're laughing uncontrollably,' Wolf says. 'The same goes for some combination of emojis – the two large eyes with a mouth in between (👁️👄👁️) is a human face, but is also meant to symbolize awkwardness, shock and general discomfort.'
'There's a kind of gleeful absurdity to how they use emojis, often mixing dark humor with playfulness, like utilizing the pregnant woman emoji to indicate their attraction to someone,' she adds. 'This layered irony is central to Gen Z's communication style.'
Conversation Starters
Rather than trying to keep up with every subtle shift, use the changing emoji meanings to start a conversation with your teens.
'Don't worry about memorizing every emoji's meaning – instead, you can simply ask your kids!' Wolf says. She adds, 'Use your curiosity as an opportunity to connect with your kids rather than decode them. Emojis are playful, expressive tools, and Gen Z uses them to build identity and community. If you're curious, your child will likely enjoy explaining the meaning.'
To help you catch up a little, keep reading for a list of the top 10 most commonly misunderstood emojis.
10 Most Misunderstood Emojis
Babbel teamed up with Emojipedia, the authority on emojis, to share the 10 commonly used (and mis-used) emojis across generations.
💀 Skull: Gen Z: 'I'm dead.' Used to express laughter and amusement. Older Generations: Used literally to reference death, danger, or dark themes.
👍 Thumbs Up: Gen Z: Seen as passive-aggressive or dismissive; can be used ironically. Older generations: Sincerely used to show approval, agreement, or encouragement.
🙂 Slightly Smiling Face: Gen Z: Seen as passive-aggressive, insincere, or masking discomfort; can be used ironically. Older generations: Used to express friendliness or politeness.
😭 Loudly Crying Face: Gen Z: Used to express laughter or emotional overreaction in a humorous way. Older generations: Used to convey disappointment or sadness.
🧑 🦯 Person with White Cane: Gen Z: Used sarcastically to imply willful ignorance, aka 'pretending not to see.' Older generations: Rarely used; interpreted as a literal representation of visual impairment or accessibility.
🗿 Moai: Gen Z: Represents emotional detachment or deadpan humor; often used ironically. Older generations: Rarely used; interpreted literally as a statue.
🧍 Person Standing: Gen Z: Conveys awkwardness, discomfort, or passivity in a situation. Older generations: Rarely used; understood literally as a depiction of a standing person.
🧢 Billed Cap: Gen Z: Slang symbol for 'cap' (lie); 'no cap' means telling the truth. Older generations: Rarely used; interpreted literally as an emoji of a cap.
💅 Nail Polish: Gen Z: Symbolises confidence, sass, indifference, or showing off. Older generations: Used to reference beauty, self-care, or to reference manicure plans.
🥺 Pleading Face: Gen Z: Conveys cuteness, vulnerability, or 'simp' behavior in an exaggerated or performative way. ('Simp' = over-the-top affection or admiration, usually done playfully or ironically.) Older generations: Viewed more literally as disappointment or sadness.Best of SheKnows
Bird Names Are Soaring for Gen Beta Babies — & These 20+ Picks Are Sweet, Strong & So Unique
These French Girl Names Are Soft, Sophisticated & Seriously Stunning
All the Pregnant Celebrities Who Showed Off Their Baby Bumps on the Red Carpet
Solve the daily Crossword
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Kate Bosworth and Justin Long welcome first child
Kate Bosworth and Justin Long welcome first child

Yahoo

time18 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Kate Bosworth and Justin Long welcome first child

Kate Bosworth and Justin Long have reportedly become first-time parents. On Thursday, editors at Page Six claimed the Blue Crush actress and the Dodgeball actor recently welcomed a baby girl via surrogate. The source didn't divulge the infant's name or birthday. Representatives for Bosworth, 42, and Long have not yet commented on the happy news. The pair met on the set of the movie House of Darkness and started publicly dating in early 2022. They tied the knot the following year. And in a post to celebrate Bosworth turning 41 in January 2024, Long hinted that they planned to expand their family. "One day our kids might ask me, 'Dad, why did you write sappy things about Mom on that old Instagram app? The one you won't let us use?'" the 47-year-old wrote. "And I'll say, 'Well, _____, because there are a lot of poisonous things on the Internet but your mom always inspires me to put good things into the world. Besides, I know reading those old posts touched her and made her smile. And I've been so blessed to have experienced so many fun, wondrous things in this life - things for which I'll never be able to properly express my gratitude - but of all those joys, touching your Mom and making her smile are my favorites.'" Previously, Bosworth was married to director Michael Polish from 2013 until they separated in August 2021. The divorce was finalised in March 2023.

Shohei Ohtani to publish children's book about his dog Decoy
Shohei Ohtani to publish children's book about his dog Decoy

Yahoo

time18 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Shohei Ohtani to publish children's book about his dog Decoy

Shohei Ohtani is a batter, a pitcher and now an author. The Los Angeles Dodgers star announced on Thursday that he is publishing a children's book entitled "Decoy Saves Opening Day," centered around his dog Decoy (a.k.a. Dekopin). The book, published by Harper Collins, will be co-authored with Michael Blank, with pictures by Fanny Liem. It is due to hit store shelves on Feb. 3. The book's synopsis: Decoy can't wait to throw the first pitch on Opening Day of the new baseball season! The stadium has hot dogs, the biggest backyard he's ever seen, and thousands of his best human friends. It's going to be the best day ever, but—oh, no!—Decoy forgot his lucky baseball at home! Can he get his ball and make it back to the stadium before it's too late? Decoy, a Kooikerhondje, throwing a first pitch comes straight from reality, as he "threw" the first pitch at a game last year on a night the Dodgers gave away a bobblehead of him and Ohtani. It was extremely cute. Per Harper Collins, Ohtani hopes to use proceeds of "Decoy Saves Opening Day" to support animal rescue organizations. Decoy has been a featured player in Ohtani's life since the announcement of the 2023 American League MVP award, which Ohtani won unanimously in his final season with the Los Angeles Angels. Decoy, whose name was unknown until Ohtani's introduction with the Dodgers, immediately went viral while sitting on the couch with Ohtani on the broadcast and has since become beloved in both Japan and the United States.

Paige Bueckers Confirms She's Dating Long-Rumored Girlfriend Azzi Fudd
Paige Bueckers Confirms She's Dating Long-Rumored Girlfriend Azzi Fudd

Yahoo

time18 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Paige Bueckers Confirms She's Dating Long-Rumored Girlfriend Azzi Fudd

NEED TO KNOW Paige Bueckers confirmed she's dating Azzi Fudd during an interview with WAG Talk at a 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star event on Thursday, July 17 During the conversation, she answered questions about her "D1 girlfriend" The former teammates have long been rumored to be datingPaige Bueckers knows a thing or two about UConn Huskies' Azzi Fudd. The Dallas Wings star, 23, was put to the challenge of answering questions about her former teammate, 22, in an interview with WAG Talk at a 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star event on Thursday, July 17. "How well do you know your D1 girlfriend?" the interviewer asked, prompting a smile from Bueckers. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! Soon after, the WNBA athlete correctly answered a series of questions, including the name of the high school Fudd attended, the year she was named Gatorade Player of the Year, her ranking in the class of 2021, and the year she made her first collegiate start. Other correctly answered questions included the college basketball team that Fudd's dad played for, the basketball player she was named after, the award she won for her national championship performance, and what her phone case says. As fans recall, Fudd went viral after she posted a selfie showing her holding a phone with a case that read, "Paige Bueckers' Girlfriend." After the WAG Talk interviewer asks, "Girlfriend reveal it's..." Bueckers says, "Azzi Fudd." In the comment section, fans were happy to see Bueckers confirm their romance. "GIRLFRIEND, we've come a long way," one person wrote. "She's cheesing mad hard too, that's her girl fr," another comment read. The basketball stars and former teammates have long been rumored to be in a relationship. After the 2025 ESPYs on Wednesday, July 16, Bueckers shared a photo of Fudd on the red carpet on her Instagram Stories, accompanied by a series of hot face emojis, according to Parade. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Other instances of the two showing affection for one another have included Fudd sharing a selfie of the two wearing matching athleisure, being seen holding hands at a Wings road game and wearing matching 'A' and 'P' necklaces. Read the original article on People

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store