Emojis have become an integral part of popular culture, so much so that the Oxford Dictionary named the "Face With Tears of Joy" emoji as the 2015 Word of the Year. Emojis have become a way to express yourself without using words or text. However, the actual meaning of certain emojis tend to be very different from how they're popularly used. Here are six emojis that have taken on their own meanings, according to Unicode.
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Guardsman
This emoji, sometimes used to represent a thief or burglar, is actually the opposite. The emoji is a member of the Queen's Guard, British military men who have been tasked with protecting the royal grounds. The Queen's Guard are best known for wearing a tall black hat and their red coat.
Person With Folded Hands
Often used to signify a high-five between friends, or to indicate someone praying, the actual use for this emoji can be attributed to Japanese culture. The clasping of hands signifies please or thank you in Japanese culture, while Westerners may see the hands as prayer. The Unicode website lists the emoji as a "person with folded hands."
Gawker also provides more evidence as to why this couldn't be a high-five, even though it's often used that way. "The thumbs are on the same side. When you bring your hands together to pray, your thumbs are on the same side," according to Gawker's Allie Jones. "When you high five someone in a conventional manner—right hand to right hand—your respective thumbs end up on opposite sides."
Face With Look of Triumph
Generally used to signify frustration, or annoyance, this emoji has actually been labeled a "face with look of triumph." The emoji is a face with air coming from its nose, literally "face with steam from nose" on the Unicode website.
Person Bowing Deeply
Often used as a person thinking deeply, Unicode lists this emoji as a "person bowing deeply." In Japanese culture, a person bowing deeply can be used to ask for a favor, or to express an apology. With the focal point on the head of the emoji, it is easy to see how it can be misconstrued as a person thinking.
"The Japanese know this emoji as a "dogeza," according to Buzzfeed. "The use of the dogeza is to show respect and honor for the upper-class and wealthy."
Sleepy Face Emoji
Most anime fans would readily recognize the snot bubble forming at the nose of the emoji. Fans of Japanese cartoons and comics would point out that the bubble is used to signify a sleeping character, even though the emoji is often used as a sad face, or a sick face. Unicode calls this particular face, the "sleepy face emoji."
Face With OK Gesture
This emoji, which many assumed to be a ballerina performing a dance move, was intended to be used to signify an 'OK' gesture.
"It's supposed to be an OK symbol," according to Mashable. "The girl's arms are above her head because she's making an OK sign with her whole body (i.e. a circle, or large "O"), which is a Japanese gesture." Unicode lists the emoji as "face with OK gesture."
As a seasoned enthusiast in the field of linguistics and communication, particularly the evolution and cultural impact of emojis, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the intricacies and nuances of these digital symbols. My expertise extends beyond casual use, encompassing a deep understanding of the Unicode Consortium's role in standardizing emoji meanings and their cultural origins. Allow me to guide you through the concepts embedded in the article you've shared.
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Emojis in Popular Culture:
- The Oxford Dictionary's recognition of the "Face With Tears of Joy" emoji as the 2015 Word of the Year signifies the profound impact emojis have on modern communication. This decision reflects the cultural significance and widespread adoption of emojis beyond traditional language.
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Unicode and Emoji Standardization:
- The reference to Unicode in the article highlights the consortium's pivotal role in standardizing emoji meanings across different platforms. Unicode ensures consistency in emoji interpretation, bridging the gap between diverse cultural perceptions and popular usage.
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Emojis as Non-Verbal Expression:
- The article emphasizes how emojis have become a mode of expression without relying on words or text. This aligns with the broader understanding that emojis serve as visual cues to convey emotions, actions, or concepts, transcending linguistic barriers.
Now, let's delve into the specific emojis discussed in the article:
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Guardsman Emoji:
- Contrary to popular belief, the Guardsman emoji does not represent a thief but is, in fact, a member of the Queen's Guard. This misconception illustrates how emojis may be misinterpreted, showcasing the importance of understanding their intended meanings.
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Person With Folded Hands Emoji:
- The article highlights the misinterpretation of this emoji as a high-five when, in reality, it represents a person with folded hands. The cultural context provided, particularly in Japanese culture where it signifies "please" or "thank you," emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness in emoji interpretation.
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Face With Look of Triumph Emoji:
- Despite its common use to signify frustration, the article reveals that this emoji is officially labeled as a "face with look of triumph." This example underscores the disjunction between popular usage and Unicode's designated meanings.
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Person Bowing Deeply Emoji:
- This emoji, often mistaken for a person thinking deeply, is identified by Unicode as a "person bowing deeply." The article draws attention to the Japanese cultural context, where such a gesture is used to ask for a favor or express an apology.
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Sleepy Face Emoji:
- Recognizable to anime fans, the article clarifies that the sleepy face emoji, featuring a snot bubble, is officially termed the "sleepy face emoji" by Unicode. This exemplifies how emojis may carry specific cultural references that go beyond their general interpretations.
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Face With OK Gesture Emoji:
- Commonly misinterpreted as a ballerina, this emoji is intended to signify an 'OK' gesture, as clarified by Unicode. The cultural origin of the gesture, described as a Japanese "OK" sign, reinforces the importance of cultural context in emoji understanding.
In conclusion, the evolution of emojis from informal symbols to standardized communication tools involves a dynamic interplay between cultural perceptions, popular usage, and Unicode's efforts to establish cohesive meanings.
