Ever sent an emoji and had someone react weirdly? It happens. Emoji meanings evolve fast, and using the wrong one can definitely send the wrong message. Here is a definitive guide to what these symbols actually mean today.
What it meant: Being silly or goofing around.
What it means now: Sarcasm, passive aggression, or "this is fine but I'm actually annoyed inside." Use with caution!
What it meant: Death, danger, spooky stuff.
What it means now: "I'm dead" (meaning: this is so funny I died laughing). It completely replaced the crying laughing face for younger generations.
What it meant: Some thought it was a high-five.
What it means now: Praying, begging, or "thank you so much." (It was never actually a high-five!)
Hand emojis often have different meanings depending on your culture:
Bottom Line: When in doubt, stick to the basics. A simple smile 😊 rarely offends anyone!