Emojis that mean something completely different to what you think

Who knew?!

Author: Laura Thornton and Alex RossPublished 17th Jul 2024

How often you do use emojis? They're everywhere! When you text, post on social media, and even in online articles, but are you SURE what you're 'saying' with your emojis are correct? 🤔

With it being World Emoji Day on 17th July, here we have a look at some common emojis that are often misused; from the sad face which is actually someone with a runny nose, to the tired face that looks frustrated. Are you guilty of using these emojis incorrectly? Take a look, you might want to change the way you use them...

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.

In April 2022, Perspectus Global conducted a survey with 2000 16-29-year-olds, with results confirming we send a massive 76 emojis per week on average.

The survey also revealed which emojis are actually considered out-dated and old fashioned, including the laughing face emoji, the poo emoji and the thumbs up emoji.

Check out which emojis say you are 'officially old' right here.

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