16 Emoji You've Been Using All Wrong

If you have an iPhone, chances you've used an emoji 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.

1. Folded Hands

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 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 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.