The progress of how people communicate through text messages has transformed rapid and dramatic. Just some time ago, we were still texting words back and forth. Now, we are starting to add emoticons, emojis, and even gifs are all the rage.
Throughout history, humans have always discovered ways to communicate through encrypted messages, being emojis as the contemporary version of these ancient runes. Among the younger generations, emojis are so famous that they have practically substituted words in social media posts and text messages, often to the dismay of parents badly trying to figure out the encoded message that their children try to send.
Emojis as Representation of Feelings
Unlike robots, it’s no secret that colorful and exciting displays of images now govern how we embody our feelings when we communicate. Since these images are demonstrating to be a powerful and influential way to express emotion and get thoughts across, marketers are utilizing the use of emojis in a much more dynamic way. As big brands are starting to jump on this trend in their marketing strategy, it brings us to question what really are these emojis?
What are Emojis?
While working with a group on the i-mode mobile internet platform of NTT DoCoMo, a Japanese designer named Shigetaka Kurita invented emojis in 1999. During that time, he was inspired by the symbols used in street signs, manga, weather forecasts, manga, street signs, and Chinese characters.
Mobile phone operators in Japan initially utilized these emojis. Kurita created the first set of emojis, which consists of 180 images. This set of emojis was based on various expressions he observed from individuals he saw around the city, among other things.
The Secrets Revealed
Emojis are not typographic; they are real pictures. The term came from two Japanese words: “e,” which means picture, and ”moji,” which translates to a character. But how do translation facilities providers interpret emojis? Would they label them as untranslatable, or just retain them?
While some meanings of emojis are simple, others contain a secret double meaning that requires deciphering.
Snake
The green, minimalist snake emoji can be represented in various scenarios. In the first place, it might specify a snake literally. But for the most part, Snake Emojis are used when signifying to a person who talks badly about others (likening the words to the venom of a snake).
Flexed Biceps
Flexed biceps emoji signifies a muscular bicep with the usual gesture of somebody who won a fight. It can embody physical strength or figuratively, a strong point on any skill. This emoji is customarily used when encouraging an individual to accomplish something challenging. For the most part, this emoji can substitute expressions as “keep working hard” or “you rock!”
Avocado
Considered the millennial obsession with avocados, you’d think this would indicate something good. But given the eye-roll-worthy appeal with this fruit, it is often used to designate someone who is hopelessly “basic,” only doing whatever is trendy at the moment.
Hundred Points
100 emoji specify a perfect score of 100 out of 100, shorthand for 100%. This symbol is shown as a red number 100, which is underlined twice. Basically, this emoji means “keep it a hundred,” essential meaning another way of saying “keep it real, well done, or good job!”
Dancer
The image of a marvelous woman dancing in a long red dress doesn’t mean the sender wants to hit up some salsa. It does, however, signify that they want to party—hard.
Party Popper
The party poppers emoji portrays novelty items containing streamers or confetti and a small explosive charge, pushing it all in the air. This emoji is usually used for celebrations and at the party’s texts.
Takeaway
It may be a cliché, however, emojis have factually taken the world. Individuals use them not only to express their feelings but as a universal language, which is very much a fragment of Western pop culture.
Many individuals know some basic emojis while some use these images to make up entire conversations without having any words. With over 1,800 images, the emoji is now considered one of the fastest developing languages in the world.
