Just like fads in fitness, food and fashion (here’s hoping the craze for all things cutout, quickly gets the cut!), the way we communicate is constantly evolving. What’s cool and quirky one year can quickly become as outdated as a skinny jean the next. And, in the same way that we retire supersized desserts or swap out basic body pump classes, certain emojis and text phrases are beginning to fall out of style in the digital world. As we head into 2025, Becextech.com.au reveals that some of our favourite expressions are predicted to go extinct, making room for fresh, new ways to connect with friends and followers. Just like updating our wardrobes and workouts, it might be time to give our digital language a little makeover with this guide to the top emoji trends of 2025.
1. Enraged Face Emoji (😡) – The End of Overblown Reactions
Topping the list is the infamous ‘enraged face’ emoji (😡), with an extinction score of 34. Once a popular way to express genuine anger, users have now deemed this emoji an exaggerated reaction that no longer feels authentic. As one social media user put it, it’s now “a fake, over-the-top way to show anger” that no longer resonates with its original meaning. This signals a shift towards more subtle ways of expressing frustration or anger in digital communication.
2. ‘RIP’ – When ‘Rest in Peace’ Is Used for Everything
Next up is the text slang ‘RIP’. Originally used as an acronym for ‘rest in peace’, it has evolved into a casual way to express shock or disbelief. However, its overuse has led many to feel it no longer holds the same weight. As one user pointed out, “‘RIP’ is used for everything now. So, it doesn’t really convey the depth it used to.” With an extinction score of 32.8, this phrase is losing its gravitas and becoming less relevant in serious or emotional contexts.
3. ‘WTF’ – The Decline of Shock Value
Closely following ‘RIP’ is the text phrase ‘WTF’. While this acronym for ‘What The F***’ was once a powerful expression of disbelief or confusion, its overuse has stripped it of its shock value. Users now feel it’s become too commonplace. And, no longer delivers the same punch. With a score of 32.2, ‘WTF’ seems to be one of those phrases that has simply outlived its usefulness in everyday digital exchanges.
4. Skull Emoji (💀) – Not Quite ‘Dead’ Yet, but Almost
The skull emoji (💀) follows closely behind, with a score of 30.1. Popularly used to convey the feeling of being ‘dead’ from laughter, it was once a go-to for expressing humor or exhaustion. However, the overuse of this emoji has diluted its original meaning. Now, it’s used so often that it’s lost its humorous edge. As one user explained, “It’s just mildly amusing now.” Indicating that the emoji no longer hits the mark for genuine amusement.
5. Pleading Emoji (🥺) – A ‘Cutesy’ Overload
The pleading face emoji (🥺) has also earned its spot on the extinction list, with a score of 29. While it was once used to convey genuine affection or sadness, the emoji is now often deployed for “cute” or “flirty” moments, resulting in it losing its emotional depth. Users claim it has become a “basic” way to ask for attention. Therefore, making it less effective in conveying heartfelt emotions.
6. ‘FOMO’ – A Phrase That’s Lost Its Meaning
‘FOMO’, or ‘Fear of Missing Out’, has been a staple of digital communication, especially when discussing social anxiety in relation to missed events or trends. However, with an extinction score of 28.4, this acronym is no longer seen as a true reflection of emotional distress. Instead, it’s become a trend in itself, losing its original emotional significance. As social media users have pointed out, ‘FOMO’ now just feels like “another trendy catchphrase.”
7. ‘SMH’ – Shaking Head No More
With a score of 26.7, ‘SMH’ (Shaking My Head) is another phrase that seems to be on its way out. Originally used to express frustration or disbelief, many users now feel that ‘SMH’ has lost its emotional weight. Once a quick and impactful way to communicate annoyance, it now feels overused and doesn’t pack the same punch it once did.
8. ‘IKR’ – The ‘I Know Right?’ Filler
‘I Know Right?’ or ‘IKR’ has earned an extinction score of 26.6. Initially used to show agreement or understanding, users now question whether it’s even a necessary response or just a filler to fill awkward silences. This suggests that the phrase has become less of an expression and more of a conversational crutch.
9. Thinking Face Emoji (🤔) – No More Deep Thoughts
Once a symbol of contemplation, the thinking face emoji (🤔) now sits at number nine with a score of 26.2. With its overuse, it’s lost its original meaning of deep thought and reflection. Instead, it’s become a casual way to convey indecision or confusion, lacking the intellectual depth it once symbolised.
10. Snake Emoji (🐍) – Shady Business No More
Finally, the snake emoji (🐍) rounds out the list with a score of 26. Once used to call out deceit or treachery, the snake emoji has now become a basic, overused symbol for anything “shady.” Users feel that it has lost its edge and is now seen as an overdone expression for anything deemed untrustworthy.
