WhatsApp to allow users to edit messages in new feature

The handy new feature is coming soon!

Author: Charlotte RoszkoPublished 23rd May 2023
Last updated 23rd May 2023

WhatsApp will allow users to edit messages in a new feature that is set to launch soon. The instant-messaging service has said that messages will be able to be edited for up to 15 minutes after being sent.

The new feature will become available to WhatsApp's two billion users in the coming weeks. Any messages that have been modified will feature a label to show they have been edited, but users won't be able to see how they have been altered.

WhatsApp announced the launch of the new feature in a blog post, which was published on Monday (22nd May). It said: 'For the moments when you make a mistake, or simply change your mind, you can now edit your sent messages.

'From correcting a simple misspelling to adding extra context to a message, we're excited to bring you more control over your chats. All you need to do is long-press on a sent message and choose 'Edit' from the menu for up to fifteen minutes after.

'Edited messages will display 'edited' alongside them, so those you're messaging are aware of the correction without showing edit history.'

WhatsApp is part of the American technology giant Meta, which also owns Facebook and Instagram. The edit function was introduced to Facebook almost a decade ago. Users can edit their posts and comments, which are then marked as edited. However, Facebook does not currently enable its users to edit Facebook Messenger messages.

Take a look at the meanings of some popular emojis:

1) Bowing Man 🙇

This guy isn't thinking, he's bowing! Although often mistaken for a man thinking or doing push-ups, this emoji is actually bowing deeply called dogeza in Japan.

2) Sleepy Face 😪

Although technically called 'Sleepy Face', this emoji isn't crying, the 'tear' is actually coming from its nose. This brings a whole other meaning to this 'sad' emoji.

3) See-No-Evil Monkey 🙈

While most people assume it mean 'oh dear' or 'oops', the 'See-No-Evil Monkey' actually part of the 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' proverb, hence the other two monkey emojis next to it.

4) Person Gesturing No 🙅

While it looks like the person could be doing The X Factor symbol, she is actually gesturing 'no'.

5) Face With Steam From Nose 😤

In a survey conducted last year 69% of the people asked perceived this to mean 'very angry/in a huff'. It actually means 'expressing triumph after great frustration'.

6) Tired Face 😫

This 'tired face' is often confused with the similar 'weary face'. Some also interpret it as a frustrated face.

7) Hushed Face 😯

Its proper definition is someone who should be kept quiet, but many believe it to be surprised or astonished.

8) Disappointed but Relieved Face 😥

Contrary to the upset meaning that many use it for, its true meaning is 'disappointed but relieved'.

9) Dash Symbol 💨

Whilst many think of this as a fart it actually means the fast movement of a person or vehicle!

10) Person with Folded Hands 🙏

No, this person isn't praying! In Japan, a folded hand gesture is commonly used to say 'please' and 'thank you'.

11) Poop emoji

Perhaps the most famous misinterpreted emoji, this little fella isn't actually a poop - he's a happy chocolate ice cream, duh. It was proven (by science) when a Twitter user superimposed the ALLEGED poop over the actual Ice Cream emoji and the shapes fit exactly.

12) Dancing girls

These are dancing girls of the rather more risqué persuasion than what you've been using them as. Sure, nothing says gals night out on the town like these two, but they actually originated as Japanese 'bunny girls', akin to strippers or playboy bunnies.

13) Sassy Girl

There's a Sassy Girl in all of us, but it turns out she's not actually flicking her hair like she just don't care in this emoji - she's actually an information kiosk lady. Who knew.

14) Aubergine emoji

While we know - WE KNOW - that popular culture dictates that this is, in fact a peen, you'll be sad to know that it wasn't designed as such and is actually just an Aub. Day ruiner or what.

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