Kindred’s Guide to Emoji Use

We’re just trying to bridge the gap of emoji communication between Gen Z and Millennials… take a look at what your smiley face really means.

🙂 — While this smiling emoji seems harmless, you could actually be sending someone a passive aggressive message. Instead of using this emoticon to convey a smile, be mindful that it is actually meant for sarcasm. (Think: Congrats! I’m so happy for you!🙂… but not really.)

😃 — Instead, use this little guy for all of your genuine texts. This grinning emoji lets people know that you’re happy for them, really.

😂 — Ah, this controversial emoji has a love-hate relationship that is multi-generational. Some interpret this emoticon as ‘LOL-ing’ so hard that you’re crying, and some just see the tears. Either way, this emoji is indeed used for laughter, but is deemed cringey and overdone by Gen Z. Use this emoji sparingly. (Think: responding to a funny meme, post, or video)

😏 — Many emoji’s have a sarcastic undertone, this is one of them. But, be careful with this one. It’s most common use is for flirty exchanges, save this one for dating apps, not family chats.

💯 — The 100 emoji looks like a perfect score on a test, but can also mean 100%. However, don’t let the % sign confuse you, this emoji rarely finds itself in a chat log about algebra. 💯 can mean ‘absolutely’ or ‘keep it 100.’ (Other meanings: Keeping it real or ‘I’m so down!’)

🤦‍♀️ — We all get them, but this avatar is not you with a headache! This emoji represents a facepalm, for occasions when you do something stupid or frustrating. (Think: “I locked myself out and lost my keys!!🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️)

🙏 — Praying or high-five? Find another way to say “Up top!” to your buddy, because this emoji is used as an expression of hope, please, thanks, or an occasional symbol of prayer.