Summary
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There are a variety of emojis that are commonly misunderstood or deliberately used incorrectly.
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This can lead to miscommunication and offence, especially given the potential generational misreading of some emojis.
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According to Unicode, the correct meaning should be adopted for the following emojis:
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Thumbs up: This emoji should not be used to show agreement, as it can often be perceived as passive-aggressive and dismissive.
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Skull: This emoji indicates laughter or cringe, rather than death or danger.
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Person with folded hands: This emoji should be used to express prayer, hopefulness, a Japanese “thank you” gesture or a high five.
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Dash symbol: This emoji is to express speed or movement and is often combined with other emojis rather than indicating flatulence.
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Nail polish: This emoji shows indulgence or luxury rather than indifference and sassiness.
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Upside-down face: This emoji indicates sarcasm or passive-aggressiveness rather than silliness.
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Face with tears of joy: This emoji is overused and has become clichéd. There are other laughing emojis that can be used to express a full range of emotions.