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!
