Gen Z's guide to emoji meanings for Millennials
Different generations have different views on things, including work, lifestyle, clothes, and the way they communicate. Thus, when it comes to emojis use, Gen Z and Millennials are all over the place. Emojis play a key role in digital communication, but their meanings can vary drastically based on the generation using them. Gen Z brought their creativity and distinct sense of style to redefine how emojis are used and interpreted. Let's compare some commonly used emojis.
Thumbs up
While Millennials use the "thumbs up" emoji to pass a positive meaning, like "good job", Gen Zs prefer to use it ironically. They associate a "thumbs up" with an attempt at passive-aggressive communication. Thus, be careful with using this emoji at work to avoid confusion and misunderstanding.
Skull
Millennials use the "skull" emoji to express energetic weariness, "dead" after an exercise. For Gen Zs that meaning went out of the window. They use the "I'm dead" emoji to say that something is hilariously funny.
A smiling face with a drop of sweat
For Gen Zs, this emoji means "I'm stressed, but I'm fine" while Millennials use it for actually sweaty situations, like working out or talking to a crush.
Crying face
"It's so cute or funny that I'm crying!" That's basically how Gen Zs use the crying emoji, while Millennials use it to indicate strong emotions that might make you cry, like extreme sadness, frustration, or relief.
Clown face
For Millennials a clown face emoji is just a clown, but Gen Zs gave it a more creative meaning. Now a clown face emoji is a universal symbol for someone who is acting or saying something incredibly foolish.
Fire
While Millennials might use a heart or even flowers to express their approval of someone's comment, post, or picture, Gen Zs will use the fire emoji to say something is "hot", "on fire" (not literally), "lit" or "cool".
Slightly smiling face
Millennials will use this emoticon straightforwardly, but Gen Zs use it to express awkwardness or discomfort in different situations. For example, if a friend texts you an apology and you send a smiling face in response, this may make them feel uncomfortable.
Sparkles
Over the years, sparkles have been used to express magic, positive sentiments, gratitude, and excitement. However, in 2021, the Internet started using this emoji to add emphasis or sarcasm, often ironically.
Cowboy hat face
While this emoji is not popular among Millennials, for Gen Zs it represents awkward optimism or trying too hard. It is a way to express that you are "smiling through the pain" or "dying inside".
Cap
This emoticon is derived from "that's cap" slang, meaning "lie" or "not true". It is popular among Gen Zs while Millennials do not use it in their communication.
Eyes
The eyes emoji used to be a symbol for giving someone the side-eye or even noticing that something is creepy or not quite how it should be. However, in 2022 it started to be used as a sign of interest or attentiveness: "I'm listening" or "Tell me more".
Best practices for emoji use at the workplace
Texting at the workplace has become an integral part of any workflow. Today employees of any age exchange messages daily and use emoticons to express various feelings. Gen Zs see emojis as an effective communication tool, especially in remote work environments and digital collaborations. They use them to convey tone, clarify intent, and promote a more relaxed and relatable workplace environment.
Check our recommendations to avoid confusion and misunderstandings at the workplace:
- Know your audience: Consider the preferences and communication styles of your co-workers. Emojis may be more appropriate in casual environments or informal team chats.
- Stay professional: Use emojis sparingly and only in situations where they enhance clarity or tone. Avoid excessive or inappropriate emojis that could be misunderstood.
- Context matters: Use emojis to soften messages, convey friendliness, or add clarity to statements, especially when the tone could otherwise be misinterpreted.
- Avoid misinterpretation: Stick to common and universally understood emojis to reduce the risk of confusion.
- Respect cultural differences: Remember that emojis can have different meanings across cultures. Use them thoughtfully to avoid misunderstandings.
- Follow company guidelines: Some organizations may have specific communication protocols regarding emoji use. Familiarize yourself with and follow these guidelines.
Emojis go beyond simple entertainment — they represent a dynamic form of communication that can enhance connection and clarity when applied thoughtfully. Recognizing generational differences, especially Gen Z's emoji usage, allows workplaces to minimize misunderstandings and promote a more inclusive digital culture.