
If you have an iPhone, chances you've used an emoji (opens in new tab) or two in a text. But are you actually using them correctly? There are a few popular ones that are often misinterpreted, but we've found their official meanings via Unicode (opens in new tab).
If you've been using this much-debated icon to signify a high five, you're wrong. This actually is meant to be a person with folded hands — which implies praying or bowing.
2. Japanese Ogre
The red-faced angry emoji isn't a mask, the devil, or a character from Where the Wild Things Are – it's a Japanese ogre.
3. Disappointed But Relieved
This looks like a crying emoji at first glance, but observe the placement of that water droplet. It's on the side of the face, signifying sweat rather than tears, and is officially called the "disappointed but relieved face."
4. Shocked
The double Xs make this emoji appear to mean "dead," but it is intended to demonstrate astonishment.
5. Celebration Hands
Think this means "praise Jesus"? Nope. It's actually just the raised hands of a person celebrating.
6. Face Massage
If you've always been confused about what's on this woman's head, here's your answer: hands. She is getting a massage, though why it's happening to her face is less clear.
7. Hushed Face
This appears to be a shocked emoji, but it actually means "hushed."
8. Grinning Face With Smiling Eyes
This definitely looks like an awkward, uncomfortable grimace, but it technically is a super happy smiling emoji.
9. Kissy Face
This face looks like it's whistling, but it's actually just another kissy face (opens in new tab) that offers less love than the kissy face with a heart.
10. Face Savouring Delicious Food
The emoji with its tongue hanging out is often used as a goofy or teasing emoji, but surprise! It's supposed to mean you are enjoying a food (opens in new tab) you like.
11. Information Desk Person
If you've been using this as a waving or sassy emoji, brace yourself for the much less exciting true meaning: It's just a helpful information desk person.
12. Hot Springs
This definitely looks like it signifies a hot cup of tea or soup, but it actually means "hot springs."
13. Weary Cat Face
Though this cat's face appears shocked, Unicode insists it is actually just weary.
14. Face With OK Gesture
Okay, I admittedly had no idea what this actually was, but according to Unicode, it is a woman making an "OK gesture." Does anybody actually do this when trying to signal that they're okay?
15. Name Badge
This doesn't actually represent fire, though it certainly looks like flames — instead, it means "name badge."
16. Person Bowing Deeply
This guy looks pretty stressed out, but he is, in fact, bowing deeply to show how sorry he is. Perhaps he is apologizing for being such a confusing emoji.
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