A conversation on WhatsApp or iMessage without emoji? According to many, that is no longer possible anno nowadays. The virtual characters often make conversations more fun, but not always clearer. Emoji misses still occasionally occur, and when they do, there are some obvious culprits.
Most emoji are pretty obvious. A thumb means good and a middle finger means fokka joe. Nevertheless, there are some emoticons that are less clear. This is sometimes due to the fact that the characters have their origins in Japan. But the emoji also sometimes look different on different operating systems. Which emoji cause the most problems? We figured it out.
1. The folded hands
Misinterpretation: Two hands praying.
Actual meaning: These folded hands mean “please” or “thank you” in Japanese.
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2. Dizziness
Misinterpretation: A (falling) star.
Actual meaning: Symbol to indicate dizziness.
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3. Raised hands
Misinterpretation: Hands depicting hallelujah.
Actual meaning: Celebrating hands.
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4. Head Massage
Misinterpretation: A woman with something on her head.
Actual meaning: This woman is getting a head massage.
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5. A person with hand raised
Misinterpretation: Often this emoji is used to denote a “sassy” person.
Actual meaning: It is someone who works behind an information desk.
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6. The OK gesture
Misinterpretation: It is rather unclear what this woman is doing. A dance!
Actual meaning: She is indicating that she is OK.
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7. A deep bow
Misinterpretation: A stressed person.
Actual meaning: Someone who takes a deep bow.
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8. Open hands
Misinterpretation: Two pushing hands.
Actual meaning: This is a hug, or it can be used as Jazz hands.
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9. The snub bubble
Misinterpretation: Someone who is crying.
Actual meaning: A (sleeping) emoji with a snot bubble.
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10. Women with rabbit ears
Misinterpretation: Two dancing girls.
Actual meaning: Two playboy bunny’s or Japanese bunny girls; A pretty woman with two bunny ears.
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11. The uncomfortable face
Misinterpretation: A face smiling broadly.
Actual meaning: A face in an uncomfortable situation.
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12. Hug
Misinterpretation: An emoji showing its hands.
Actual meaning: A hug.
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13. Face enjoying food
Misinterpretation: A puppet sticking out its tongue.
Actual meaning: Someone enjoying their food.
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14. Face with a drop
Misinterpretation: A crying emoji.
Actual meaning: A disappointed emoji with a drop of sweat.
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15. Silence
Misinterpretation: Doll with no mouth and big eyes.
Real meaning: Being silent or not (able to) say anything, standing with mouth full.
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