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16 Emojis You've Been Using All Wrong

Embarrassing, mate

By Sam Escobar
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If you have an iPhone, chances are you've used an emoji or two in your past. But are you using them correctly? Thanks to the sharp minds at Unicode, we have the official meaning behind some of the most commonly misinterpreted emojis:

1

The Folded Hands

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If you've been using this much-debated icon to signify a high five, you're wrong. This is actually meant to be a person who is praying or bowing.

2

The Japanese Ogre

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This red-faced emoji isn't a mask, the devil, or a character from Where The Wild Things Are – it's a Japanese ogre, a monster commonly found in Japanese art and literature.

3

The "Disappointed But Relieved" Face

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This looks like a crying emoji at first glance, but observe the placement of that water droplet. It's on the side of the face, signifying sweat (disappointment and relief!) rather than tears.

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4

The "Shocked" Face

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The double Xs make this emoji look, well, dead — but it is intended to demonstrate astonishment.

5

The Celebration Hands

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See this and think, "praise Jesus"? Womp, womp — it's actually just a regular person celebrating.

6

The Face Massage

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If you've always wondered what's on this woman's head, that would be a set of hands. She's getting a massage — now leave her alone!

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7

The "Hushed" Face

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This appears to be a shocked emoji, but it actually means "hushed." Use it next time you're in the library.

8

The "Grinning Face" With Smiling Eyes

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A very impatient child this is not. It's an extremely smiley, incredibly happy emoji.

9

The "Kissy" Face

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This face looks like it's whistling, but it's actually just another kissy face, one grade below the kissy face with a heart. It's basically perpetually on a first date.

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10

The "Savoring Delicious Food" Face

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The emoji with its tongue hanging out is often used as a goofy or teasing emoji, but surprise! It simply means you are enjoying your food.

11

The "Information Desk" Person

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If you've been using this to express some sass, brace yourself for the much less exciting truth: It's just a helpful information desk person.

12

The Hot Springs

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This definitely looks like steam from a hot cup of tea or soup, but it actually means "hot springs."

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13

The "Weary Cat" Face

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Though this cat's face appears to be shocked, Unicode insists it is actually just weary.

14

The "Face With The OK" Gesture

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According to Unicode, this is a woman making an "OK" gesture. Does anybody actually do this when trying to signal that they're OK?

15

The Name Badge

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No fire here, though this certainly looks like flames. It actually means "name badge."

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16

The Person Bowing Deeply

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If this guy looks stressed out, it's because he is, in fact, bowing deeply to show how sorry he is. Perhaps he is apologizing for being such a confusing emoji.

From: Good Housekeeping US
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