Emojis and their meanings are no longer limited just to being something considered ‘just for kids’ nowadays.
According to ExpressVPN, over 3,600 emojis are currently available on almost every device and platform, and studies have shown that our brains process them like words. This highlights the impact and role emojis play in today’s modern communication.
With emoticons being used in practically every conversation on the planet, even formal and professional ones, it is very important to stay updated on what they mean, the level of appropriateness, how and where to use them, and more.
A Harvard Business Review report talked about the growing use of emojis in the workplace and how executives and managers nowadays need to be aware of which emoji means what and how to use them in conversation. It also said that using them in the correct context can be a good way to connect with one’s team and form a stronger bond with them.
So here are 6 popular emojis and their real meanings that you probably didn’t know about.
- Smiling Face with Heart Eyes:
While emojis with a heart, especially a red heart, are usually seen in a romantic context, this emoji can also be used for non-romantic things or to show appreciation and happiness over some good news.
- Poop Emoji:
The poop emoji has been pretty much cemented to stand for the body’s waste and is meant to show how bad something is or be ironic about something. But it was meant to represent a chocolate swirl.
- Shooting Star:
The shooting star emoji is used either as its namesake or to denote how something is very awe-inspiring or wonderful, usually in a positive context. However, the real meaning was supposed to be ‘feeling dizzy’ or a cartoonish impression of ‘seeing stars’ when hit on the head.
- Bunny Girl Duo:
The duo emoji of two women having their hands folded on their waist and wearing a leotard and bunny ears is normally used as a symbol of celebration or two people being happy about some good news. It can even stand for female friendship and camaraderie.
But the actual meaning is entirely different as it comes from Japan’s Bunny Girls, a play on the iconic Playboy Bunny.
- Saluting Face:
The saluting face is usually used to respect the receiver or in acknowledgment of a task. If used properly, it can be used in professional settings too, when accepting a project or acknowledging a message or notice.
- Face with Steam From Nose:
The current meaning of this emoji is to show anger or frustration. However, its original name was ‘Face With Look of Triumph’ and meant to represent triumph after a lot of effort, thus the huff.
Not only limited to being a funny thing but there have also actually been studies and research conducted into this sector, mostly how culture can dictate what emojis are used, the different meanings given to perhaps the same emojis, how region and people can have an impact on the emojis of that place.
