How to use emojis like Gen Z
Why it matters: Roughly 80% of U.S. adults say they've been confused by emoji use, according to a 2024 survey by language education platform Preply.
Catch up quick: The Wall Street Journal called the smiley emoji an "intergenerational minefield" back in 2021 — and it's still making people second-guess their texts and Slack messages.
The big picture: Younger generations have long put their own spin on communication.
Emojis help simplify and liven up our conversations, but when meanings clash, it can lead to awkward moments.
What they're saying: "Gen Z shapes emoji culture," Gigi Robinson, a 27-year-old content creator, tells Axios.
While older people "tend to use emoji according to their dictionary," younger people have adopted new definitions, Erica Dhawan, author of a book on " digital body language," told the Journal.
Before you hit send, here's how Gen Z reads some of the most common (and most misused) emojis.
🙂 Soft smiley: What looks like a reassuring smile can come across to Gen Z as sarcasm or passive aggression.
For example, "My air conditioning just went out. 🙂"
💀 Skull: This can mean something is deathly hilarious, embarrassing or cringeworthy.
💅 Painted nails: This can signify luxury, beauty and confidence or add a dash of sass.
For example, "Dinner's on me. 💅"
✨ Sparkles: This can be used to emphasize something, usually ironically, or to show genuine excitement.
For example, "I'm ✨stressed.✨"
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
11 hours ago
- New York Post
Rude couple bans bartender from putting out ‘tacky' tip jar at wedding: ‘I would be horrified if you asked my guests for tips'
It's pretty standard to leave a cash tip for bartenders at weddings — especially if it's an open bar. However, a young bartender named Hannah Borsenik revealed in a TikTok video — captioned 'This labor isn't, free people' — that she supposedly was 'not allowed' by a couple to put out a tip jar at their wedding that she was working. This video said so much — yet so little at the same time, but enough to spark a fierce debate on tipping at weddings in the comment section. 'I wouldn't want my guests to feel obligated to spend any money at my wedding either… that's tacky,' one commenter fired. The bride and groom supposedly banned the bartender from having a tip jar — something she usually always puts out at weddings. Daniel Jíâ¢dzura – Another comment brought up a good point: 'The couple should be tipping you not the guests.' 'Gratuity was included in the contract. Don't lie. Asking guests to tip is tacky,' judged someone else. Borsenik felt compelled to post a follow-up video in response to the thousands of opinionated comments she received on her original video. 'I get an hourly wage from the venue. The bride and groom are not hiring me to be a private bartender at their wedding, so that's why I usually have a tip jar… I don't get gratuity in my hourly wage,' she explained. @hannyb11 Replying to @Patricia Mcauley Clearing all of the controversy up!! ♬ original sound – hannyb '…I'm not signing a contract. I just work for the venue and the bride and groom just said I couldn't have a tip jar.' Of course, commenters had something to say about Borsenik's explanation, too. 'The person paying for the event should tip you at the end of the night. I would be horrified if you asked my guests for tips,' quipped one person. It seems that some couples don't want their guests to feel compelled to tip at weddings. laurine – Another person defended the young bartender: 'I'm sorry even if you got paid via the bride and groom, I do not care. Make that money. If people want to tip they will and if people don't want to, they won't.' Some Gen Z couples are avoiding this scenario altogether by throwing dry weddings and cash bars, defending the move as far from tacky and calling guests who complain 'entitled.' Rather than free-flowing booze, these couples prioritize transparency and budget-conscious celebrations, sparking heated arguments online about what it really means to be a gracious host. In a culture where wedding norms are evolving, debates over who should tip — or if tip jars even belong — are only getting louder. But one thing's clear: when it comes to weddings, money and manners remain a delicate dance.
Axios
18 hours ago
- Axios
New Charlotte-based dating app for dog lovers to launch soon
For all those tired of endless swiping, a new Charlotte-based dating app called Frolly aims to change the game by matching people through a shared love of dogs. Why it matters: Frolly's founder, Cindy Himmel, hopes the new app brings some joy back to dating when it launches in September. She says the traits dog owners usually have — like being responsible, caring and trustworthy — are foundational for great relationships. "The qualities that people look for in partners are oftentimes the qualities that they exemplify with their dogs," like being adventurous, Himmel said. Context: Himmel and her daughter, Amanda Pietrick, who are both dog lovers, also founded The Artemis Cares Fund to provide low-cost pet care for pit bull owners. Himmel tells Axios the idea for the app began after a conversation in which Pietrick said she ended things with someone because "he wasn't that into dogs." How it works: Frolly is similar to other dating apps, where you'll create a personal profile with your background. You'll also include information about your life as a dog owner. Then you can create a profile for your dog with details like their size, breed and lifestyle — including their social habits and activity level. The app uses artificial intelligence matching algorithms to connect people based on dog-related preferences and lifestyle compatibility. What they're saying: "The dog section encompasses ... basic things like if your dog is spayed or neutered. Are they allowed in your bed? Are they allowed on your furniture? If you have a cat, are they good with a cat? Is your dog good with children? So all the things that might be important to know," Himmel said. State of play: The app is open to all ages, and you don't have to be a dog owner to join. But Himmel says you must be a "dog person." Himmel says she believes there will be plenty of opportunities to find a love match in the Charlotte area, especially since it's such a pet-friendly city. With dog-friendly patios, parks, and activities, she sees even more potential for fun and meaningful dates. "You do not have to have a dog to use the app. Absolutely not. You just have to be someone who shares a passion for them. It's not like everyone has to be obsessed with their dog, but I think they have to be open to their partner's love of dogs," Himmel said. Zoom out: Frolly will be free to users for the first six months after it launches on the App Store and Google Play Store. After that, there will be a $12 monthly subscription fee. Membership proceeds will be donated to local rescue organizations.
Axios
a day ago
- Axios
Japan's vibrant culture on display at Nucleus Portland art show
The textures, color palette and culture of Japan have inspired artists for centuries. A recent trip to the country is the thesis of painter Josh Stover's new solo and curated group show, now on display at Nucleus Portland. The big picture: Stover's signature still lifes — like an outdoor flea market in a Tokyo park, a vintage cassette player playing Miki Matsubara, and an egg salad sando split open on a plate — are recreations of photographs he took in Japan this past winter. They're shown alongside more than a dozen other local and Japanese artists. For instance, Jackie Brown 's miniature blue ceramic kei truck carries "shikaku suika" (or square watermelons), while Erika Strohecker 's intricate wooden and paper Japanese lantern hangs nearby. "Japanese Summer 2" also features works from Portland neon artist Perry Pfister, painter Ippei Matsui, illustrator Raf Spielman, wood carver Jordan Metcalf and more. What he's saying: Stover said he wanted the show to reflect the density and vibrancy of Japan. "There's just so much eye candy," he told Axios. "It's very busy; there's a lot you can see in just one scene."
