Slackand Duolingos latest survey found that 57% of global respondents believe messages are incomplete without an emoji.
But nearly the same percentage also admits that theyve been caught unaware of specific emoji having multiple meanings.
I once informed my manager about a mistake I made at work.
He replied with this: ?.
It’s free, every week, in your inbox.
He told me later, he was simply laughing at how I handled the situation.
The most confusing emoji
At TNW we use this ?
to help each other with workflow and indicate that were looking into something.
Heres another one, the pile of poop emoji (?).
I rarely use it at work and for good reason.
Interestingly, in some countries including Japan it can also mean good luck.
The same split perception is also the case with the money wings emoji (?).
If youre working for a UK company, confirm youre using the winky face emoji (?)
with the right person.
The same goes for the eggplant emoji (?).
In fact, this one, along with the poop emoji, the kiss mark (?
), and the tongue (?)
are globally considered off-limits within the workplace.
And, in this case, I think everyone can see the reason why.
And heres my absolute favorite: the slightly smiling face (?).
Ive used it 10 times in my life in total.
Thats because for me its the most ironic emoji out there, one thats suitable for very specific situations.
Im not the only one whos interpreting the emoji in a negative way.
Why should we care about emoji to begin with?
Nearly 70% also feel closer and more bonded with a colleague who understands the emoji theyre using.
If you think about it, Im sure youll be able to relate to these findings as well.
So love your emoji, use them wisely, and good luck (?).
Story byIoanna Lykiardopoulou
Ioanna is a writer at TNW.
With a background in the humanities, she has a soft spot for social impact-enabling technologies.
