Emojis: More Than Just Playful Icons

What may appear to be harmless or light-hearted emojis can often carry deeper or layered meanings. For many young people, emojis form part of a visual language used to express everything from mood and humour to more serious or potentially risky behaviours.

It’s important for schools to stay aware of this evolving form of communication—not to monitor or intrude, but to remain informed, responsive, and able to engage meaningfully with pupils in a digital world.

Why Emoji Awareness Matters

Emojis are a key part of how many young people communicate today—but their meanings can often go far beyond the obvious. Understanding this digital shorthand helps us better support pupils' wellbeing and online safety.

Here’s why awareness is important:

Understand hidden meanings

Some emojis—such as 🍆, 🍑, or 🔥—are frequently used to convey meanings unrelated to their literal images. Being aware of these interpretations can help adults spot messages that may warrant further conversation.

Identify early warning signs

Emojis may be used to hint at issues like inappropriate content, cyberbullying, self-harm, or risky online interactions.

Strengthen connection

Taking an interest in the way young people communicate can help bridge generational gaps and make conversations more meaningful.

Build trust and openness

When teens feel that adults are genuinely curious and non-judgmental, they’re more likely to talk openly—especially about concerns or challenges they’re facing.

Promote healthy digital habits

Awareness creates opportunities for open dialogue about online safety, respectful behaviour, and emotional wellbeing.

By staying engaged with how pupils express themselves—both online and offline—we can create safer, more supportive school communities where every young person feels heard and understood.

📱 Emojis & Online Behaviour

👀 Eyes – Watching closely, low-key stalking, or reacting to drama.

🔗 Link – Planning to meet up or “link” with someone.

🌚 New Moon – Sarcastic or passive-aggressive tone.

🤲 Open Hands – Asking for something or seeking support.

👹 Monster Face – Feeling odd or acting weird.

🤓 Nerdy Face – “Actually...” (used sarcastically or to mock).

👁👄👁 Eye-Mouth-Eye – Watching with full attention or silent judgment.

🧇 Waffle – Telling someone to stop rambling.

🕯️ Candle – Manifesting or hoping for something.

🧃 Juice Box – Gossip or drama.

💀 Skull – “I’m dead” (laughing hard or overwhelmed).

🤡 Clown – Embarrassing or mocking someone as fake or ridiculous.

🙄 Eye Roll – Annoyance or sarcasm.

🤔 Thinking Face – Being shady, questioning something, or irony.

🧠 Brain – Overthinking, sarcasm, or hyping someone up.

🔥 Fire – Something impressive, attractive, or chaotic.

💯 100 – Full agreement, “keeping it real.”

🎯 Bullseye – Agreement, being right, or being called out.

✍️ Writing Hand – Mock quoting, taking note (often sarcastically).

📉/📈 Chart Down/Up – Something has flopped / is trending.

🍑 Emojis Related to Body Parts (Often Suggestive)

These emojis are sometimes used in inappropriate or suggestive contexts:

👅 Tongue - Playfulness and teasing, deliciousness or sexual innuendo/flirting

💪 Flexed Arm – Often selfie-related or showing off.

🍆, 🍌, 🌭 – Represent male genitalia.

🍑, 🍒 – Used to symbolise buttocks or other body parts.

🐱, ✌️, 🌮 – Represent female genitalia.

❤️‍🔥 Emojis Linked to Intimacy or Flirting

🔥 Fire – Attraction or admiration.

🙈 See-No-Evil Monkey – Flirty or shy expression.

🥵 Hot Face – Physical attraction or being impressed.

🚩 Emojis That May Signal Red Flags

🚩 Red Flag – Warning about toxic or negative behaviour.

⚠️ Warning Sign / ❗ Exclamation Mark – Danger or urgency.

💣 Bomb – Drama or conflict is brewing.

⛔ No Entry / 🛑 Stop Sign – Boundaries being crossed.

🐍 Snake – Deception or betrayal.

👺 Oni Mask – Manipulative or harmful behaviour.

🔪 Knife – Used in dark humour to suggest emotional pain or betrayal.

🎨 Emojis That Reflect Identity & Self-Expression

👑 Crown – Confidence, calling oneself a “king” or “queen.”

💅 Nail Polish – Sass, confidence, and pride.

🏳️‍🌈 / 🏳️‍⚧️ Flags – LGBTQ+ pride and allyship.

✨ Sparkles – Magic, individuality, uniqueness.

💃 🕺 Dancer Emojis – Joy, freedom, or boldness.

🎭 Drama Masks – Being expressive or hiding true feelings.

🎨 Palette – Creativity and artistic identity.

🧿 Nazar Amulet – Warding off negativity or bad vibes.

👠 High Heel – Embracing femininity or fashion-forward expression.

😔 Emojis Reflecting Emotions & Mental Health

😔 Pensive Face – Feeling low, sympathy, or sadness.

😋😛😝 Tongue Faces – Excitement or silliness.

🤣 Rolling on Floor Laughing – Something very funny.

🤭 Hand Over Mouth – Cheeky, playful, or hiding amusement.

😭 Crying Face – Extreme laughter or emotional overwhelm.

😵‍💫 Spiral Eyes – Stress, dizziness, anxiety.

😩 Weary Face – Burnout, overwhelm, or exhaustion.

🥺 Pleading Face – Emotional vulnerability or manipulation.

🤯 Exploding Head – Shock, overstimulation.

😶‍🌫️ Face in Clouds – Feeling mentally foggy or distant.

💔 Broken Heart – Heartbreak, emotional pain.

❤️‍🩹 Mending Heart – Offering comfort or support.

😬 Grimacing – Nervousness or discomfort.

🧍 Person Standing – Feeling isolated or awkward.

🚪 Door – Wanting to leave or emotionally withdraw.

👉👈 Pointed Fingers – Shyness or nervous flirtation.

Why This Matters for Schools and Families

Emojis are part of how students communicate emotion, identity, humour, and even distress. By recognising what certain emojis may represent, parents and educators can:

• Spot signs of emotional difficulty, peer pressure, or harmful online behaviour;

• Open up conversations about mental health, boundaries, and respect; and

• Create space for trust, understanding, and responsible online communication.

For more guidance on digital literacy, safeguarding, and online behaviour, please reach out to Handsam. Together, we can help keep our students safe, supported, and understood in every space—physical or digital.

More guidance on the use of emojis is available here: https://weareluna.app/parents/guides/navigating-difficult-scenarios/teen-emoji-dictionary/