7 Emojis You Didn’t Know Had Different Meanings

Emojis can be a fun way to add some spice to your conversations. Whether it be to lift the mood, show your emotions, or just add in a random poop Emoji, these funny icons can make messaging that tiny bit more interesting.

Today, Emojis extend further than just smileys. In fact, there are hundreds and hundreds of Emojis ranging from faces to animals to places. And while you may use them as fun additions to your texts, do you actually know what they mean?

In a recent study, it was found that 11% of Brits have once or more unintentionally sent an Emoji that has caused offence or has been misinterpreted. Turns out, not all Emojis mean the same across the world.

Let’s take a look at seven Emojis you didn’t know had other meanings.

#1 Smiley Face

The classic smiley face. Absolutely harmless, right? In the majority of places, you’d be right. The smiley face most commonly symbolises happiness, however, in China, it can represent mistrust towards someone.

#2 Thumbs Up

The (almost) universal sign for a job well done. Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq or Nigeria see it differently. In these countries, a thumbs up is considered very insulting and disrespectful.

#3 Clapping hands

Just like the thumbs up, the clapping hands emoji is usually associated with feelings of praise. That said, if you send this in China, it could be construed differently. In China, the clapping hands Emoji refers to lovemaking, so be careful who you send it to!

#4 Crossed fingers

What is usually seen as a symbol for good luck, the crossed fingers has a completely different meaning in Vietnam. If you want to send someone a good luck message, avoid the crossed fingers Emoji…it refers to female genitalia.

#5 Poop emoji

This one is pretty self-explanatory, right? It has its literal meaning as well as its silly connotations. But did you know that in Japan it can be a sign of good luck?

This is the case because the Japanese word for poo is ‘unko’ which contains ‘un’, a word that sounds exactly like the Japanese word for good luck.

#6 OK symbol

The OK symbol is commonly used to communicate a certain understanding.

In Japan, this refers to wealth or specifically, coins.

In Brazil, it is the opposite of the UK in that it represents anger or displeasure.

In Germany, the Middle East, Turkey, and Greece, it can be even more explicit, often meaning intercourse.

#7 Croissant

Ah, the delicious French pastry – surely this can’t mean anything else than that. But, of course, you were wrong – that’s why you’re here after all, right?

Funnily enough, the croissant is also a symbol for opposing Brexit. Why? Because on the day before the Brexit referendum, over six hundred freshly baked croissants were transported from Paris to Kings Cross Station and handed out.

Which of the above Emojis do you use the most? Let us know in the comments.