20 Emojis Gen Z Can’t Get Enough Of—and Exactly What They Mean
Gen Z texting with emojis
Emojis are their own language, and every generation attributes different meanings to each. So, whether you're in a Slack group with a Gen Z coworker or have Gen Z children, you may have picked up on the recurring emojis they use. Spoiler alert: Gen Z's emojis and their attributed meanings vary greatly from those of Millenials and older generations.
Generation Z encapsulates those born in the late 90s to 2010. And just like every generation has its own popular slang terms, this now applies to emojis. While a Millennial may use a heart emoji to show love, for example, a Gen Z might use a heart emoji sarcastically, prefaced by the word "No."
Confusing, we know.
If you need a full translation guide to keep up with the cool kids, keep reading for 20 emojis Gen Z can't get enough of—and exactly what they mean.
Related: ‘Cold Regards,’ ‘Please Hesitate To Reach Out’—We Can’t Stop Laughing at These Snarky Gen Z Email Sign-Offs
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20 Emojis Gen Z Can't Get Enough of
1. ?? Crying
"It's so cute or funny that I'm crying!" That's basically how Gen Z uses the crying emoji, at least. Rather than expressing sadness, this crying emoji indicates happy tears.
2. ?? Folded Hands
Rather than a sign of prayer, Gen Z uses the folded hands emoji as a pleading gesture or a gratitude-filled "thank you."
3. ?? Fire
Don't worry, nothing is on fire! Not in the literal sense, at least. Instead, the fire emoji is used to compliment something or someone's beauty, style or attractiveness.
Related: 90 Questions About the '90s You HAVE To Ask Gen Z
4. ?? Smile with Sweat
When stress is building, there's no emoji better used than this one. It's the emoji-fication of the meme with the dog in the room on fire, saying, "This is fine, everything is fine."
5. ???? Pointed Fingers
The two pointed fingers show that you're feeling shy or nervous. You can nearly sense them blushing through the phone!
6. ?? Kiss Face
It may be a kissy face, but not in the romantic sense. This kiss-face emoji indicates fondness and approval of something, like plans with a friend.
7. ?? Side Eyes
To Gen Z, the side eyes emoji is utilized to show interest or curiosity. For example, "Did you hear that Harry Styles is going on tour? ??"
8. ?? Cowboy
Keep your head up, cowboy. The cowboy emoji shows putting on a happy face, even when you're down in the dumps.
9. ?????? Eyes and Lip
The notorious eyes and lip emoji combination connotes shock or feeling stunned. Why use a gasping emoji when this combination is far more playful and fun?
10. ?? Thumbs Up
If you receive a text with a thumbs up from a Gen Z, you may as well have received a thumbs down. Gen Z uses the thumbs-up emoji in a sarcastic or passive-aggressive way.
11. ?? Wide Eyes
Totally amazed by something that it takes the words right out of your mouth? That's why a Gen Z would use the wide eyes emoji.
12. ?? Heart
Why send a heart in a loving fashion when you can send a heart in a sarcastic manner, instead? To soften the blow of a harsh comment or critique, Gen Z may follow it up with a heart emoji.
13. ?? Pleading Face
This adorable puppy dog-eyed emoji is often used by Gen Z to communicate just how adorable they think something is.
14. ?? Moon Face
To Gen Z, the moon face emoji asserts a tone of mischievousness, playfulness and even soft disapproval.
Related: You've Heard of Millennials and Gen Z, but What Is 'Generation Alpha,' Exactly?
15. ? Twinkle Stars
Twinkle stars are like italics or bold font. Often, Gen Z will put two twinkle star emojis surrounding a word for emphasis.
16. ?? Nails
The nails being manicured emoji signifies sass, confidence, nonchalance, indifference or poise. Just imagine Elle Woods saying, "What, like it's hard?"
17. ?? Clown
This emoji is the universal symbol of foolishness. That's what you call clownery!
18. ?? Skull
The skull emoji is no longer just reserved for Halloween, and Gen Z made it so. Step aside, crying laughing emojis. The skull emoji now symbolizes hilarity.
19. ?? Upside Down Smile
The iPhone provides plenty of unhappy-faced emojis, but why use those when there's the upside-down smile? This emoji is basically code for "this stinks." Someone might use it to indicate an unlucky situation, or in a sarcastic tone.
20. ?? Silly Face
Being in a silly, goofy mood and this crazed emoji with its tongue out go hand-in-hand. It shows goofiness and dorkiness and adds a flair of fun.
Related: 55+ Popular Emojis and What They Mean—Including the Most Used Emoji of 2023!
