Emojis are everywhere: from texts to tweets, emails to Instagram captions.
But do we really know what they all mean?
While some are pretty straightforward, others are often misunderstood or used in unexpected ways…
Here’s a fun and helpful guide to 20 of the most commonly used emojis, and what they’re really saying!
- 😂 Face with Tears of Joy
Meaning: Something is so funny you’re crying from laughter.
Once the most-used emoji worldwide! - ❤️ Red Heart
Meaning: Love, affection, gratitude, or strong support. - 👍 Thumbs Up
Meaning: Approval, agreement, or simply “got it”. - 🥺 Pleading Face
Meaning: Begging, puppy-dog eyes, or “please?”. - 🔥 Fire
Meaning: Something is cool, trendy, or literally “on fire”. - 😭 Loudly Crying Face
Meaning: Extreme sadness, or surprisingly, extreme joy! - 😊 Smiling Face with Smiling Eyes
Meaning: Friendly, positive, warm. - 🤔 Thinking Face
Meaning: Pondering, doubt, or sarcasm. - 🎉 Party Popper
Meaning: Celebration! Used for birthdays, wins, or exciting announcements. - 😅 Grinning Face with Sweat
Meaning: Nervousness, relief, or awkward laughter. - 🙃 Upside-Down Face
Meaning: Sarcasm, silliness, or passive-aggression. - 👏 Clapping Hands
Meaning: Applause, praise, or sarcastic slow claps depending on context. - ✨ Sparkles
Meaning: Magic, positivity, or highlighting something special. - 😎 Smiling Face with Sunglasses
Meaning: Cool, confident, or carefree. - 😢 Crying Face
Meaning: Mild sadness or sympathy. - 🤯 Exploding Head
Meaning: Mind blown, shock, or amazement. - 💀 Skull
Meaning: Death, but more often used to mean “I’m dead” (from laughter). - 💩 Pile of Poo
Meaning: Used humorously – sometimes for silliness, sometimes critique. - ✅ Check Mark
Meaning: Task complete, agreement, or verification. - 🙏 Folded Hands
Meaning: Thank you, prayer, or sometimes a high-five (though that’s debated!).
Final Thoughts
Emojis help us say more with less, but they’re not always as clear as we expect them to be. Knowing their meanings can avoid miscommunication and help you express exactly what you intend.
Did any of those surprise you? What’s your most-used emoji?
Drop it in the comments below! 😄