Just like words, emojis can have multiple definitions.
For example, while the ‘women with bunny ears’ emoji is usually shared amongst young women in a display of friendship, it was originally designed to be a dualistic representation of the Bunny Girl, a subservient Japanese sexual symbol associated with cosplay and anime.
Some linguistics experts even predict that the language of the future could be a mix of Indo-European, Mandarin and emoji.
Here in Britain, however, emojis are most commonly used in Snapchat messages, where many of them have taken on a completely new meaning of their own…
Perceived meaning: A smug, self satisfied smile; a smirk.
Actual meaning: “I know something you don’t.”
Perceived meaning: “I love you!”; an expression of affection.
Actual meaning: Ironic expression of narcissism; “I’m awesome.”
Perceived meaning: Admiration, respect.
Actual meaning: Hypnotised; blindly in love.
Perceived meaning: An expression of luxury – usually used on holiday.
Actual meaning: Being drunk or hungover.
Perceived meaning: Fruit, sweetness.
Actual meaning: Sexually suggestive symbol for ‘party’; taken from the Pacha logo.
Perceived meaning: Healthy eating; a symbol of veganism or vegetarianism.
Actual meaning: The male sex organ; “well hung”.
Perceived meaning: Summer; tropical poolside vibes.
Actual meaning: “Thirsty” or “horny”; sexual frustration.
Perceived meaning: Love, adoration.
Actual meaning: When a “like” simply isn’t enough; ironic love.
Perceived meaning: Heat; hot weather.
Actual meaning: A hot take, comment, opinion or lyric; nudes; leaked information.
Perceived meaning: A teardrop; bad weather; an expression of sadness.
Actual meaning: Describing someone or something as “wet”.
See no evil
Perceived meaning: “That so funny/scary, I can’t even look!”
Actual meaning: A signifier of embarrassment; an acknowledgement of something as cringeworthy, awkward or stupid.
Hear no evil
Perceived meaning: “I don’t want to hear that”
Actual meaning: An expression of intrigue; usually used to convey being engaged and attentive.
Speak no evil
Perceived meaning: Shock horror; dismay; a lack of words.
Actual meaning: “Your secret is safe with me.”
Perceived meaning: “F*ck you!”
Actual meaning: A term of endearment, used ironically among friends to express a bad mood or resistance to authority.
Perceived meaning: Appreciation, contentment; “Perfect!”.
Actual meaning: Commonly used among conspiracy theorists and the #AltRight to infer being awake or “woke”; knowing the truth about something.
Perceived meaning: “I’ve had great idea!”
Actual meaning: Electricity; a spark or romantic connection.
Perceived meaning: Chicken; food; a BBQ or cook-out.
Actual meaning: Hungry; used to express a deep desire for something.
Perceived meaning: A signifier of money and wealth.
Actual meaning: An illegal loan shark; “I can get you cash quick.”
Perceived meaning: Enjoys playing football.
Actual meaning: Wealthy; a pictographic translation of the word “baller”.
Perceived meaning: A pictographic translation of the word “safe”.
Actual meaning: Used by pirate radio stations and people on Periscope to signify listeners who are listening or “locked in”.
Perceived meaning: A gun-owner; a firearms enthusiast.
Actual meaning: “Shots fired!” – used after making a witty comeback.
Perceived meaning: Drugs; pills.
Actual meaning: Used to signify someone who likes to get high off prescription medication, valium etc.
Perceived meaning: A pile of shit.
Actual meaning: A pile of shit. There’s no getting around this one.
What’s your favourite emoji? Any definitions we missed? Let us know at Hello@JOE.co.uk!
