11 Emojis You're Probably Using Incorrectly

In the age of the smartphone, emojis have become a form of communication on their own – but do you really know what your emojis say about you?

You might be surprised to learn that even the simplest of emojis can carry multiple and even contradictory meanings, often depending on the age and culture of the texter and textee.

Let’s take a look at 11 emojis you just might be using wrong:

Common Emojis

👍 Thumbs Up - Older generations (yes, that means age 35+) often use this emoji to mean “OK” or “I approve.” However, younger generations typically use it when they want to end the conversation in an abrupt and slightly rude way. Big difference.

🙏 Folded Hands - If you send someone this emoji, it means you’re praying for a particular situation - not that you want to give them a high-five.

🙂 Slightly Smiling Face - If you’re over 35, you’ll likely interpret this emoji as a friendly smile. However, younger people often use the slightly smiling face to communicate a passive-aggressive tone - a veiled threat, if you will.

Laughing and Crying Emojis

🤣 Rolling on the Floor Laughing - Many people use this emoji as an innocent LOL kicker or reaction to a punchline. However, if you receive this emoji from a Generation Zer, they might be teasing you or even trying to roast you.

😭 Loudly Crying Face - If something truly sad happens, we recommend not using this emoji, as it can be interpreted as a person is laughing so hard at something that he or she is crying.

💀😭 Skull and Loudly Crying Face - Whatever you do, don’t use this emoji combo in the context of someone passing away. Although you may mean to convey that something terrible has happened, younger generations especially would interpret this as, “I’m crying-laughing so hard that I’m dead.”

😹 Cat With Tears of Joy - It may seem tempting to use this cute kitty to express happiness, but keep in mind that some people (especially under age 35) read this emoji in an ironic or sarcastic way.

Emojis You Might Not Want to Use at Work

🥵 Hot Face - If you just came from a particularly sweaty workout at the gym, you may feel tempted to text this emoji to announce your accomplishment - but be careful with this one! In Western cultures, the hot face emoji actually indicates physical attraction to another person - hence, the emoji’s “hot and bothered” look. In Eastern cultures, the same emoji carries more of a general meaning of excitement, enthusiasm or anger. Either way, we recommend you stick with the barbell emoji for workouts instead 🏋️.

🙃 Upside-Down Face - Older generations may use this emoji to convey a goofy, silly tone, but keep in mind that younger generations interpret the upside-down face with a passive-aggressive tone, much like the slightly smiling face.

🚶 Person Walking - If you text your bestie to invite her on a walk, this may not be the emoji you want to use. Although it seems straightforward, this emoji actually references a person walking away from an uncomfortable situation. Awkward.

🎣 Fishing Pole - If your grandpa texts you this emoji, he probably really is going fishing. But if your teenager does, it means he or she thinks you’re fishing for compliments.

OK, You’re Guilty - Now What?

Clearly, age and culture play a big part of the meaning behind emojis, so it’s important to know your audience when texting. However, keep in mind that an emoji’s true meaning largely lies in the mind of the person who reads it.

So, if you and your friend want to text each other about how you walked 🚶 to the fishing pond 🎣 in the hot sun and now you’re all sweaty 🥵 - and you both understand the meaning - then you do you, no matter what the Gen Zers say 👍.

References: Top 10 Most Misused Emojis | The Most Misused Emojis | Did you really want to send an eggplant? Older people are using emojis wrong, study says