What do ๐Ÿ’€, ๐Ÿ‘, or ๐Ÿงข mean? A Glossary of Gen Z Emojis

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You can tell right away from the word “smiley” in the title that this text was written by someone 35+. A slightly younger author would probably use the term “emoticon,” while Gen Z almost exclusively says “emoji.” But these terminology shifts highlight an important detail: visual communication through emojis, GIFs, and memes has become an integral part of business language. Understanding emoji meanings is now essential. And just imagineโ€”emoji meanings change from generation to generation.

The Rise of Workplace Chats

Slack, Teams, WhatsAppโ€ฆ The use of team communication platforms skyrocketed globally during COVID-19. These platforms share one common feature: fast team or channel-based messaging. Whether itโ€™s daily conversations or major internal announcements, quick reactions flood inโ€”offering valuable insights for managers, team leaders, HR professionals, or happiness managers tracking workplace sentiment.

And this is where a generational communication gap emerges, most clearly reflected in how different age groups use emojis. This evolution also highlights a broader shift in language tone. For Gen Z, irony and sarcasm are almost a cultural phenomenon. At the same time, formal caution, an effort to avoid offending anyone, and even well-disguised passive aggression play a role in workplace interactionsโ€”allowing employees to subtly vent frustration when communicating with a superior.

Soโ€ฆ Even on LinkedIn?

Absolutely! Emojis have made their way into professional communication, and LinkedIn is no exception. Adding ๐Ÿš€ or ๐Ÿ‘ to a post? Why not! Emojis add personality to even the most formal posts and boost engagement. When you want to emphasize a message or lighten the tone, emojis are a great toolโ€”and they are definitely not taboo on LinkedIn.

Decoding Gen Zโ€™s Vocabulary

Born between 1995 and 2012, Gen Z speaks a language that even millennials often struggle to understand. Ever heard of “rizz” (charisma, the ability to charm), “cheugy” (outdated, uncool), or “delulu” (delusional, living in an illusion)? Try making sense of a sentence like: “Heโ€™s got major rizz, but his vibe is kinda cheugyโ€”no, totally delulu.” ๐Ÿ˜† Itโ€™s wildโ€”but this is how Gen Z communicates. They use their own unique slang, and if you want to keep up, adapting is the only way forward.

The Power of Emojis

Emojis are no longer just cute picturesโ€”they’re fully functional language tools. Why? Because they quickly convey emotions, shorten text, and help clarify the tone of a message. Plus, their meanings evolve over time. For example, millennialsโ€™ go-to ๐Ÿ˜‚ is now seen as a cringey boomer clichรฉ by Gen Z. The once-cool “๐Ÿ˜Ž” now often carries an ironic undertone.

Wondering how to type emojis on a keyboard? Use these shortcuts:

  • Windows: Win + . (dot)
  • Mac: Cmd + Ctrl + Spacebar

Not sure what an emoji means? Use an emoji translatorโ€”there are online tools that will instantly clarify its meaning. ๐Ÿ˜Š

TOP 12 Emojis That Bosses 35+ Will 100% Misinterpret

Thumbs Up! ๐Ÿ‘

The classic thumbs-up. Great. Well done. At least, thatโ€™s how millennials and older generations see it. But for younger generations, the meaning has shiftedโ€”unexpectedly. This once-positive emoji has turned bittersweet. If a younger colleague sends it to you, it could mean โ€œwhatever,โ€ โ€œdo whatever you want,โ€ or sarcastically โ€œnice job.โ€
Example: Thanks for not interrupting me in the meeting today. ๐Ÿ‘

Crying Emoji ๐Ÿ˜ญ

Most people use this emoji to express sadness, stress, or frustration. But for todayโ€™s 20-somethings, it represents strong positive emotions, being deeply moved, or even reacting to something adorable. In other words, itโ€™s an emotional hyperbole at its finest.
Example: Did you see Richardโ€™s dog today? ๐Ÿ˜ญ

Sweating Emoji ๐Ÿ˜…

Older generations use this emoji to describe situations that were physically or mentally challengingโ€”or an awkward moment. But for Gen Z, this is the ultimate SOS signal when theyโ€™re seconds away from a breakdown but trying to keep it cool. In short, itโ€™s the emoji equivalent of “Iโ€™m on fire, but Iโ€™m smiling through it.”
Example: Looking forward to another all-nighter fixing this presentation. ๐Ÿ˜…

ROFL Emoji ๐Ÿ˜‚

The most boomer emoji. Likely the only one in an older executiveโ€™s Slack #random channel, used to lighten the mood. But to younger colleagues, it feels like an over-the-top forced laughโ€”like when your dramatic aunt overreacts to a joke she didnโ€™t actually get. If Gen Z uses it at all, itโ€™s pure sarcasm.
Example: Today, Robin explained inside jokes to the new guy in the break room. ๐Ÿ˜‚

Skull ๐Ÿ’€

So, what does Gen Z use instead of ๐Ÿ˜‚ for genuine laughter? The skull. It signifies โ€œthis joke killed meโ€โ€”in a good way. In Czech slang, itโ€™s similar to saying โ€œZabil!โ€ (meaning “He killed it!”). Word of caution: Avoid using the skull emoji as a symbol of boldness or toughness in front of younger colleaguesโ€”it wonโ€™t land as intended.
Example: Have you seen Mykรญล™โ€™s latest video? ๐Ÿ’€

Poop Emoji ๐Ÿ’ฉ

Older generations fall into two camps: those who think the poop emoji is too much, and those who see it as cheeky rebellion. For millennials, itโ€™s clear: when something fails, lacks quality, or is just a mess, this emoji belongs there. Gen Z, however, uses it to call out immaturity or childish behavior.
Example: The boss talking mostly about himself during International Womenโ€™s Dayโ€ฆ ๐Ÿ’ฉ

Baseball Cap ๐Ÿงข

That random blue baseball cap emoji? It actually means “cap” = “lie.” This comes from slang where โ€œcappingโ€ means lying. The symbol likely gained popularity around the 2020 U.S. elections, as a reaction to Trumpโ€™s “stolen election” claims. The blue cap became a counter-symbol against misinformation.
Example: Did you see the numbers our competitor put in their press release? ๐Ÿงข

Grimacing Face ๐Ÿ˜ฌ

Older generations use this emoji to express awkwardness or a close call. For Gen Z, however, it screams “cringe.” Itโ€™s a mix of disappointment and secondhand embarrassmentโ€”usually for someone who should know better.
Example: That press conference after the new president got electedโ€ฆ ๐Ÿ˜ฌ

Clown ๐Ÿคก

For older folks, this emoji represents fun or silly situations. For Gen Z, it means stupidityโ€”usually directed at older generations. If a younger colleague adds a clown emoji in response to a higher-up, itโ€™s not a compliment.
Example: So, what did you think of Peterโ€™s new all-hands format? ๐Ÿคก

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Checkmark โœ…

A simple green checkmarkโ€”a universal symbol for โ€œreadโ€ or โ€œapproved.โ€ But younger generations see it as bossy, authoritarian, and patronizing.
Example: The pre-holiday team meeting is mandatory. โœ…

Heart Emojis โค๏ธ

Heart = love? Not necessarily.

โค๏ธ still means romantic love.

๐Ÿค (white) = purity.

๐Ÿ’™ (blue) = trust.

๐Ÿ–ค (black) = sarcasm or emo phases.

๐Ÿงก (orange) = friend zone.

So before sending a heart emoji, be sure you mean what you think you mean. ๐Ÿ˜„

Sad Face ๐Ÿ˜”

This is a generational clash. Millennials use ๐Ÿ˜” or ๐Ÿ˜ข to express sadness. Gen Z prefers ๐Ÿฅบ (for pleading) or ๐Ÿ˜ญ (for exaggerated drama). If you get a ๐Ÿ˜” from a younger colleague, it might carry a completely different emotional weight than you expected.