World Emoji Day 2023: Most Misunderstood Emojis Of All Time

All of us have been there: staring at a text to figure out, what context the emoji is used in it.

The birth of emojis was to make conversation a little less boring plus more human cues but alongside came the utter confusion. Emojis do not come with a manual, thus it is safe to assume that they can mean different things to different groups of people. So, next time you misunderstood emojis or find yourself in a pickle for misinterpreting them, remember you are not alone. 

Most misunderstood emojis of all time

The ''Folded'' Hands 

If you've been using this much-debated icon to signify a high five, well you're wrong. It basically means a person is praying. Fun Fact: Our parents are using it for the right meaning, perhaps not us. 

The "Disappointed But Relieved" Face

No, it is not a crying emoji. It never was. Observe the placement of that water droplet here, it's on the side of the face, signifying maybe sweat after a massive disappointment or relief but not at all tears. Use it correctly!

The ''Celebration'' Hands

See this and you think of a good job or nicely done? Nope, wait. It’s just a normal person who after a long day at work, celebrates the win of their favourite football team.

The ''Face'' Massage

If you've always wondered what's on this woman's head, that would be a set of hands. Yes, she's getting a massage. You should try it too, like self-love. 

The "Hushed" Face

Why do people think it’s a shocking emoji? How could it be? It means "hushed." As that person is in the library. Can’t talk. Won’t talk. 

The "Grinning Face" With Smiling Eyes

If it creeps you out, in a sense you think it’s a very impatient child, well guess what it’s not. It's an extremely smiley, incredibly happy emoji, which we misunderstood for so long.

The "Kissy" Face

No. No one is whistling in this emoji. It's actually just another kissy face, one grade below the kissy face with a heart. It's perpetually on a first date or a platonic one. You decide!

The "Savouring Delicious Food" Face

Why do you send it to show your goofiness? Take it back! The tongue here is out for a reason. That can only mean food. So, yes congratulations you are simply enjoying your food.

The "Creepy" Smile

If you also find it creepy and somewhat uncanny then you are not alone. It means a go-to smile, to an acquaintance or perhaps a cute dog, so sending it to your friends is not cool. 

The "Shocked" Face

The double X makes this emoji look, I guess dead to you, but in real terms, it is intended to demonstrate astonishment. Let’s say a surprise birthday party after you thought no one remembers it.

The "Sassy" Woman

Once again this woman here is to help you. Yes, it’s the information desk emoji and not the nuance of sassiness on her face. 

The "Feary" Fear

You think it’s a shocked face, but no. It’s the face of a person who is screaming in fear. Most probably, screaming aloud. 

There could be an endless list of misunderstood emojis. So truth be told emojis have changed our interactions in a way too subtle for many of us to articulate — by enabling us to articulate the subtle.

Views expressed are the author’s own.

Suggested Reading: World Emoji Day: Emojis Have Transformed The Way We Communicate