Yes, I’m a self-confessed dummy when it comes to “speaking” emoji.
A Japanese transplant, the word emoji literally means “picture” (e) + “character” (moji) or “picture letter.”
I can handle the simple Smiling Face 🙂 or Disappointed Face :(, but I have no idea how or when to use the myriad of other emoji.
Only today, I discovered the icon for The Joy emoji —also referred to on the Emojipedia website as “Face With Tears of Joy” or “the LOL Emoji.”
In an effort to stave off my ignorance, I thought it was time to learn this evolving language, so as to better use the emoji keyboard next time it flashes on my smart phone.
Take the quiz: How well do you speak emoji?
Below you’ll find meanings for some basic emoji. Check out Emojipedia for a more comprehensive list of emoji meanings.