How to use emojis like Gen Z
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Rebecca Zisser/Axios
Gen Z is rewriting the emoji rulebook, and it's stumping everyone else.
Why it matters: Roughly 80% of U.S. adults say they've been confused by emoji use, according to a 2024 survey by language education platform Preply.
Catch up quick: The Wall Street Journal called the smiley emoji an "intergenerational minefield" back in 2021 — and it's still making people second-guess their texts and Slack messages.
The big picture: Younger generations have long put their own spin on communication.
- Emojis help simplify and liven up our conversations, but when meanings clash, it can lead to awkward moments.
What they're saying: "Gen Z shapes emoji culture," Gigi Robinson, a 27-year-old content creator, tells Axios.
- While older people "tend to use emoji according to their dictionary," younger people have adopted new definitions, Erica Dhawan, author of a book on "digital body language," told the Journal.
Before you hit send, here's how Gen Z reads some of the most common (and most misused) emojis.
🙂 Soft smiley: What looks like a reassuring smile can come across to Gen Z as sarcasm or passive aggression.
- For example, "My air conditioning just went out. 🙂"
💀 Skull: This can mean something is deathly hilarious, embarrassing or cringeworthy.
💅 Painted nails: This can signify luxury, beauty and confidence or add a dash of sass.
- For example, "Dinner's on me. 💅"
✨ Sparkles: This can be used to emphasize something, usually ironically, or to show genuine excitement.
- For example, "I'm ✨stressed.✨"
👍 Thumbs-up: This quick way to approve or acknowledge something can also seem dismissive, particularly outside of work.
Reality check: Context matters. Take the hot-face emoji (🥵), which can convey chaos or brutal heat — though in certain situations, it can feel suggestive.
What we're watching: Expect more emoji confusion, and creativity, as iPhone's new AI feature lets users invent custom icons.
