Although emojis appear cute and innocent, for many teens they have hidden meanings that may represent explicit or risky behavior. Therefore, we have created this article for parents to better understand emoji slang meanings and how to keep teens safe online.
What are emojis?
Emojis are modern day hieroglyphics. These small visual symbols are a quick and easy way to inject humor and emotion into messages. They replicate the tone of voice, facial expressions and body language used in face-to-face communication.
Invented by a Japanese cellphone company in 1999, there are now nearly 4,000 emojis available with more added each year. Millions of people worldwide use them every day in texts, chats and emails and they are increasingly being employed in advertising campaigns and video captions. One of the main benefits is that emojis transcend cultural and language barriers.
Even though many parents regularly use emojis, they may be unaware that some seemingly innocent symbols can have a double meaning. For example, emoji meanings on Snapchat and TikTok are often more explicit than the emojis meanings iPhone lists. Some emojis can also be used as drug slang.
These small icons are a secret code for teens that create a sense of community with peers. Many of them are fun and harmless but others can be explicit and mask risky behavior. It is useful for adults to understand the alternative definitions in order to watch for warning signs that young people are being bullied or sexually harassed online and may need support. We have created an emoji dictionary to help you decode the double meanings.
Emoji slang guide
Here are some of the most common emoji slang used by teens so parents can understand what they may be saying when chatting, gaming or streaming. Please note: many of the definitions below are x-rated and some have multiple meanings.
๐ or ๐ โ Penis
๐ โ Bottom
๐ฅด โ Drunk, hungover or sexually aroused
๐ฅต โ Means โhotโ in a sexual sense
๐ต โ When someone has seen something x-rated
๐ โ Used to express annoyance
๐ โ Large and/or shapely bottom
๐ฎ โ vagin*
๐คก โ Describes something that is foolish
๐ป โ Ghosted (ignored or dumped with no explanation)
๐งข โ Symbolizes a lie
๐ฌ โ Can be used to mean sex
๐๐ โ Shy, nervous โ usually in the context of flirting
๐๐ โ Sexual intercourse
๐ซ โ The act of sex (humping)
๐ฅ โ Indicates someone is attractive or sexy
๐งฟ โ Represents warding off the evil eye
๐ง โ Oral sex
๐ฆ โ ejacul*tion
๐ช โ Erection
๐ โ May indicate sexual activity, especially oral sex
โณ โ Used when someone has an hourglass body
๐ฅถ โ Often used in response to a nasty comment, meaning โThat was coldโ
๐ โ Feeling frisky or naughty
๐๏ธ ๐ ๐๏ธ โ A response that means โIt is what it isโ
๐งโโ๏ธโจโ Denotes a sarcastic, mean-spirited tone
๐ โ Marijuana
๐ โ Virtual hug
๐ โ Breasts or virginity
๐ โ testicl*s
๐ โ Depending on the color, heart emoji meanings can vary from declarations of love to jealousy, dark humor or sorrow
๐ฆ โ Having a crush or falling in love โ represents butterflies in the stomach
๐๏ธ โ Someone wants an x-rated movie
๐ฅ๏ธ โ Someone wants an x-rated chat
๐ธ โ Flashing or taking sexting to the next level with nude pictures
๐ โ Represents nudes
๐ โ Used when sending or receiving nudes
๐คค โ Desiring someone sexually โ often used in response to nudes
๐โ Can be used to signal a womanโs org*sm
๐ณ โ Often used on TikTok to express wanting something shown in a video
๐ฏ โ Stamp of approval
๐จ โ Sexual activity
๐ โ Someone is a back stabber
๐ถ๏ธ โInappropriate or risky content
๐ฝ โ p*rn
Further Reading: 130 Teen Slang Words and Phrases Decoded
Need help with your teenโs tech use?
Even when parents have grasped the double meanings above, there can still be ambiguity. Sometimes seemingly sinister emojis can be innocent and vice versa. And emoji meanings from a girl to boy and boy to girl can vary. It is worth talking to your teen before jumping to conclusions.
If youโre still struggling to engage with your teen โ despite gaining an insight into their world โ and youโre concerned about their gaming or tech habits, we can help.
At Game Quitters, weโve developed the Reclaim program to help families reduce conflict, manage problematic gaming and get their gamer back. And our Respawn program helps gamers quit or moderate their gaming habits.
You can also book a Gameplan callto discuss your situation. Limited spots are available.
As an expert in digital communication and online safety, my extensive knowledge in the realm of emojis and their nuanced meanings allows me to shed light on the intricate world of emoji slang, especially as it pertains to teenagers. My expertise is grounded in a thorough understanding of the evolution of emojis, their cultural significance, and the ways in which they are used in modern communication.
Emojis, often referred to as modern-day hieroglyphics, were first introduced by a Japanese cellphone company in 1999. Since then, their popularity has skyrocketed, with nearly 4,000 emojis in existence today, and new additions each year. These small visual symbols serve as a quick and easy way to convey humor, emotion, and context in digital messages, transcending cultural and language barriers.
Despite the widespread use of emojis, many parents may not be aware of the hidden meanings behind some seemingly innocent symbols, particularly those used by teenagers on platforms like Snapchat and TikTok. Emojis have become a form of secret code among teens, creating a sense of community while also allowing for more explicit and, at times, risky communication.
The article highlights the need for parents to be aware of the double meanings associated with certain emojis, as they can serve as indicators of explicit or risky behavior. The use of emojis as a form of slang is a way for teens to communicate covertly, making it crucial for parents to understand these alternate definitions and be vigilant for any signs of online bullying or harassment.
The provided emoji slang guide offers insights into common symbols used by teens, decoding their meanings for parents. From symbols representing body parts to expressions of sexual desire and various forms of explicit content, the guide aims to bridge the communication gap between generations and empower parents to navigate the digital landscape with a better understanding of their teenagers' online interactions.
The article also acknowledges the potential ambiguity in interpreting emojis and advises parents to engage in open conversations with their teens to avoid misunderstandings. Additionally, it suggests seeking professional help through programs like Reclaim and Respawn, provided by Game Quitters, to address concerns about teens' gaming or tech habits.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of emojis and their cultural context positions me as a reliable source for understanding the intricate world of emoji slang, enabling parents to navigate the digital terrain and ensure the safety of their teenagers online.
