15 emoji that are almost always misinterpreted

A conversation on WhatsApp or iMessage without emoji? According to many, this is no longer possible today. The virtual characters often make conversations more fun, but not always clearer. Emoji mistakes do happen, and when they do, there are a number of obvious culprits.

Most emoji are pretty obvious. A thumb means good and means a middle finger fokka joe. Nevertheless, there are some emoticons that are less obvious. This sometimes has to do with the fact that the characters originated in Japan. But the emoji also sometimes look different on different operating systems. Which emoji cause the most problems? We figured it out.

1. The clasped hands

• Misinterpretation: Two hands praying.
• Actual meaning: These folded hands mean “please” or “thank you” in Japanese.

2. Dizziness

• Misinterpretation: A (shooting) star.
• Real meaning: Symbol to indicate that you are dizzy.

3. Raised hands

• Misinterpretation: Hands depicting hallelujah.
• Actual meaning: Hands celebrating.

4. Head massage

• Misinterpretation: A woman with something on her head.
• Real meaning: This woman is getting a head massage.

5. A person with the hand raised

• Misinterpretation: Often this emoji is used to indicate a ‘sassy’ person.
• Real meaning: It is someone who works behind an information desk.

6. The OK gesture

• Misinterpretation: It is rather unclear what this woman is doing. A little dance?!
• Actual meaning: She indicates that she is OK.

7. A deep bow

• Misinterpretation: A stressed person.
• Actual meaning: Someone who bows deeply.

8. Open hands

• Misinterpretation: Two pushing hands.
• Actual meaning: This is a hug, or it can be used as Jazz hands.

9. The snot bubble

• Misinterpretation: Someone who is crying.
• Actual meaning: A (sleeping) emoji with a snot bubble.

10. Women with bunny ears

• Misinterpretation: Two dancing girls.
• Actual meaning: Two playboy bunnies or Japanese bunny girls; A pretty woman with two bunny ears.

11. The awkward face

• Misinterpretation: A face that is smiling broadly.
• Real meaning: A face in an awkward situation.

12. Hug

• Misinterpretation: An emoji showing his hands.
• Real meaning: A hug.

13. Face enjoying food

• Misinterpretation: A puppet sticking out its tongue.
• Actual meaning: Someone who is enjoying his food.

14. Face with a drop

• Misinterpretation: A crying emoji.
• Actual meaning: A disappointed emoji with a drop of sweat.

15. Silence

• Misinterpretation: Doll without a mouth and big eyes.
• Real meaning: To be silent or not (be able to) say anything, to stand tongue-tied.