What Does the 💀 Skull Emoji Mean? (2024)

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Co-authored byCaroline Heiderscheit

Last Updated: February 2, 2024Fact Checked

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1. The 💀 (skull) emoji describes a metaphorical death. So when someone sends you the 💀 (skull) emoji, it typically just means, "I'm dead."^[1]

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1. See Also

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   "This is so funny that I died." Use the 💀 (skull) emoji on a funny photo, in response to a funny text, or in a comment on a funny video. You can either send this emoji on its own, with a 😂 (laughing emoji), or even directly after “I’m dying” to express the same meaning.^[2]

   • “My dog just farted and then looked scared, like he didn’t know where the sound came from. 💀😂”
   • On a video of a cat knocking a glass of water off of a table, comment a 💀 (skull) to say you found it funny: “💀💀💀”
   • Or, when a friend sends you a joke over text, send a 💀 (skull) to let them know it made you laugh: “I’m literally dying 💀💀”^[3]
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   "This is so beautiful that I died." Use this emoji in a text, comment, or DM to tell someone that you think they look attractive. Or, in response to something cute (like a photo of a kitten), include a 💀 (skull) to say that you think the photo is super cute.

   • Include the 💀 (skull) in a comment complimenting your celebrity crush on a selfie they posted: “OMG, gorgeous. 💀💀”
   • Or, if your friend sends you a cute selfie, use the 💀 (skull) to hype up their looks: “I’m completely DEAD. Ur so hot 💀"
   • If your friend sends you a cute video of a koala yawning, use the 💀 (skull) emoji to let them know that you thought it was adorable: "💀💀"
3. 3

   "I am so frustrated that I died." Use the 💀 (skull) emoji in a text about how much homework you have, how sick you are, or how hungry you are, for example. Or, use it to empathize with another person’s text or post that describes their own frustration.

   • “I literally have like 50 pages of history reading to do tonight 💀”
   • “This cold is so bad. My throat feels like sandpaper. I’m seriously dying. 💀💀”^[4]
   • Send a friend a text explaining that you haven't eaten today. They may respond with the 💀 (skull) to empathize with you: “Oh no. 💀💀💀”

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1. 1

   Laugh along with the sender over text. If someone sends you the 💀 (skull) emoji in a funny text, let them know that you found their message funny, too. Send a laughing emoji, an "lol," or your own 💀 (skull) to let them know you enjoyed the joke.^[5]

   • "Hahahah 😂. That's so funny!!"
   • "I'm dyinggggg 💀💀. That's actually straight up hilarious."
   • "Lol!! I'm genuinely laughing out loud rn 🤣"
2. 2

   Gush over the photo or video sent to you. If someone sends you a cute (or hot!) photo, let them know that you liked it just as much as they did. For bonus points, send ❤️ (heart) and 😍 (smiling face with heart-eyes) emojis along with your message.^[6]

   • "I love Ana De Armas. She is SO hot! 😍😍"
   • "This is the cutest thing I've ever seen. You always send the best baby animal pics 🐇❤️"
   • "You look absolutely stunning!! You my friend are serving an absolute LOOK. 🙈🥰 "
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   Send a sympathetic text and offer support. If your friend sends a 💀 (skull) to describe feeling "dead," let them know that you have their back. Commiserate with their situation, offer them an ear, or validate their feelings.^[7]

   • "Yoooo that does sound awful. I'm so sorry. 😿"
   • "Wow, that's brutal. You know I'm here for you, right? Let me know if you need to talk. 😇"
   • "Jeez! Yeah, I'd be frustrated, too. Those feelings totally make sense. 🤯"

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1. The ☠️ (skull-and-crossbones) emoji is typically used literally. The 💀 (skull) emoji can be used literally or metaphorically.^[8] You can send either emoji in a text about death, danger, bones, or something spooky.^[9]

   • “Have you decided what you’re going to be for Halloween yet? I like your fairy idea, but your skeleton costume is still cooler. ☠️”
   • “Oh my god, this video was so terrifying. Did anyone else expect that jump scare at the end? 💀"
   • “RIP to the goldest goldfish I’ve ever had. I’ll miss you, buddy. Hope you’re still swimming circles in fishy heaven 💀😥☠️”

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