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Additionally, how to spot when someone’s using the 👍 emoji sarcastically
While the thumbs up 👍 emoji is often a sign of approval, it can be interpreted as sarcastic, disingenuous, or passive-aggressive depending on the situation. This article will explain everything you need to understand about this polarizing emoji, including its meaning and why some Gen Z-ers find it offensive. We’ll also suggest the best ways to respond to the 👍 emoji and offer a variety of related emojis you can use instead.
Overview of the Thumbs Up 👍 Emoji
The 👍 emoji is frequently used to express approval (similar to saying “sure” or “sounds good”), but it may come across as sarcastic or passive-aggressive based on the conversation’s context. Gen Z-ers often see this emoji as insincere and lazy, especially when used as a response to a more thoughtful or detailed message.
How to Use the Thumbs Up 👍 Emoji
What does the thumbs up 👍 emoji signify?
The 👍 emoji typically signals approval. Usually, the thumbs up emoji replaces typing “yes” or “sounds good.” It’s a quick way to show your approval and agree with someone.
- “I’m up for lunch later 👍”
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Them: “Should we meet at 7 PM for dinner?”
You: “👍”
The 👍 emoji can also imply sarcasm or disapproval. For Gen Z, born between the mid-1990s and 2010, the thumbs up emoji is often seen as passive-aggressive. It may indicate disinterest or dislike about the subject at hand.
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You: “Had a huge argument with my roommate.”
Them: “👍”
You: “I guess I’ll never share my problems with you again…” -
You: “Guess what happened!”
Them: “?”
You: “I just got an interview at my dream company!!! Can’t believe it 🤩🤩🤩”
Them: “👍”
You: “Wow, thanks for the encouragement 😒”
Why is the thumbs up 👍 emoji controversial?
The 👍 emoji is controversial because its meaning can be easily misunderstood. As this emoji is widely used, its original positive meaning may be lost, and it may be perceived as a way to shut down conversation instead of continuing it. It can be interpreted as sarcastic or insincere, especially since tone and intent can’t be clarified over text messages.
When does the thumbs up 👍 emoji become passive aggressive?
Take the sender’s age and the overall context into account. Gen Z-ers are more likely to use the thumbs up emoji in a sarcastic or passive-aggressive manner. Therefore, reflect on the whole conversation (and your relationship with the other person) to gauge their true intentions. If they send the emoji in response to a serious or lengthy message, it may indicate they’re brushing you off. Other signs of passive aggression through the thumbs up emoji include:
- Excessive use: Overusing the thumbs up emoji in a conversation may come off as insincere, mocking, or sarcastic.
- Message length: If the thumbs up emoji is used in reply to a long message, it suggests frustration or reluctance to engage further.
- Topic matter: Responding to a serious discussion with a thumbs up can seem disrespectful, showing a lack of interest in giving a thoughtful reply.
- Change in texting habits: If the sender takes a long time to reply or doesn’t often use emojis, a thumbs up might indicate they’re done with the conversation.
- General tone: In tense or emotionally charged conversations, the thumbs up emoji might reinforce the negative mood, especially if paired with short, dismissive responses like “yeah,” “sure,” or “whatever.”
How to reply to the Thumbs Up 👍 emoji
Respond with an unamused emoji if the other person is being sarcastic. If you're expecting a more thoughtful reply and get a thumbs up instead, try sending a disappointed or unamused emoji to convey your feelings. This lets them know that you feel let down, hurt, or frustrated by their lack of investment in the conversation.
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You: “Josh just asked me out!!!”
Them: “👍”
You: “🙄” -
You: “I passed my driver’s test!”
Them: “👍”
You: “😑😑😑”
Don’t respond if they’re being passive aggressive. If you're in the middle of a tense conversation and receive a thumbs up, consider stepping away from the chat to avoid escalating things. Sometimes, silence is the best response. You can revisit the conversation after some time has passed, when you believe the other person has calmed down.
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You: “I’m sorry, I never meant to hurt you, but I think we can both agree that there was a lot of miscommunication leading up to this.”
Them: “👍” -
You: “Could you please be more mindful about keeping the common areas clean? I noticed your packages have been in the living room for over two weeks…”
Them: “👍”
Respond with “awesome” if the thumbs up 👍 emoji indicates approval. When someone uses the 👍 emoji to confirm plans or validate something you've said, you can reply with words like “awesome,” “perfect,” or “great” as a polite and thoughtful acknowledgment. It’s a better alternative to just leaving them on read or responding with a Tap Back.
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You: “So, coffee at 1 PM on Saturday?”
Them: “👍”
You: “Perfect, see you soon!” -
You: “I think I should invite Candace so she doesn’t think I have beef with her.”
Them: “Totally 👍”
You: “Okay, awesome. Texting her right now.”
Thumbs Up 👍 Emoji Copy & Paste
Highlight the 👍 emoji, right-click, and select “Copy.” Then, go to the area where you want to paste it, right-click again, and choose “Paste” to copy and paste the 👍 emoji on your device.
- The Unicode for the 👍 emoji is U+1F44D.
- For HTML, use “👍” to display the thumbs up emoji.
- Fonts like Twemoji and EmojiOne offer a wide range of emojis for use if you add the necessary font reference and character code in your HTML.
Other Hand Gesture Emojis
The 👍 emoji is just one of many hand gesture emojis. From the OK hand emoji to the peace sign, there are plenty of gestures you can use to express yourself. Try any of these options when the thumbs up emoji doesn’t quite fit what you're trying to say:
- 👌 (OK hand) = represents “okay” or “yes, that’s correct”
- ✊ (raised fist) = signifies solidarity or resistance
- 🤝 (handshake) = used as a greeting, for agreement, or as a truce
- 👐 (open hands) = symbolizes openness or friendliness
- 🫶 (heart hands) = conveys love, kindness, support, and positivity
- ✌️ (victory hand) = shows support or is used for saying goodbye
- 👋 (waving hand) = for saying “hello” or “goodbye”
- 🤙 (call me hand) = means “call me” or “hit me up”
- 🙏 (folded hands) = represents gratitude, prayer, or hope
- 👊 (oncoming fist) = symbolizes a fist bump
- 🙌 (raising hands) = used to celebrate or show agreement
- 👎 (thumbs down) = indicates disapproval
- 🤏 (pinching hand) = used to express “small” or “little”
- 🤞 (crossed fingers) = wishing someone luck
- 🤟 (love you gesture) = used to say “I love you”
- 🤘 (sign of the horns) = symbolizes “rock on” or music
- 🤲 (palms up together) = used for prayer or begging
- 🫰 (hand with index finger and thumb crossed) = signifies love or money
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In 2023, a Canadian court decided that a thumbs up emoji can legally form a contract between two parties. While this ruling doesn’t set a legal precedent in U.S. courts, it presents a thought-provoking (and possibly controversial) view on how emojis are interpreted in digital communication.
