Sorry Millenials, Emoji Expert, Says ‘Thumbs Up’ Is Seen as Passive Aggressive By Gen Z

Generations often have differing perspectives on what something means. In this case, the Thumbs Up emoji is popular among older generations but is viewed as “passive-aggressive” by younger generations.

Thumbs-Up Emoji Meaning

An emoji etiquette expert named Keith Broni from Dublin, Ireland has explained that the Thumbs-up emoji could be taken out of context by younger generations, noting that Gen Z considers it “passive-aggressive.” He also points out that the slight smile emoji is viewed similarly, meaning its use can send the wrong message.

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Emoji Etiquette

Broni notes that while preferences may differ from generation to generation, the use of emojis like the Thumbs-Up emoji is becoming more popular than using punctuation marks at the end of a sentence. Therefore, staying in the loop regarding the Thumbs Up emoji, and others, and what message they convey.

Broni is the editor-in-chief of Emojipedia, an emoji reference site, and helps people to identify the meanings behind their messages, including the Thumbs Up Emoji. “As with language, we should address who we are speaking to before sending them an emoji. People from younger generations are trying to avoid the thumbs up emoji as they see it as passive-aggressive and a low-effort response.” He explains. “A Gen Z demographic might also view the ‘slight smile’ face as highly performative and slightly passive aggressive.”

Backing the Theory

Broni’s claims have been backed by MailOnline, recently reporting a thumbs-up emoji might even be considered confrontational. Seemingly, the Thumbs-Up emoji can be read as “passive-aggressive”, even in conversations among friends, but more notably in a conversation among colleagues.

A Redditor Elaborates

“No one my age in the office does it, but the Gen X people always do it. Took me a bit to adjust and get [it] out of my head that it means they’re mad at me,” explains a 24-year-old on Reddit. Meanwhile, Broni explained: “Emojis are generally used in a positive emotional context and between peers for a sense of rapport. Emojis are symbols of emotional intent and are used more often in positive situations.”

Changes in Emoji Meanings

While their intended purpose was to help people express themselves through text or email, many of the emojis, including the Thumbs-Up emoji, have transformed over time, taking on new meanings. For example, some are used for sexual innuendo such as the eggplant and peach with water droplets emoji. These are almost always interpreted as a sexual advance and used be used with caution, among people who are well-acquainted with each other.

Laughing Til You Cry

Meanwhile, the laughing-so-hard-I’m-crying emoji is no longer as popular among Gen Z, people born in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

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A Smiley Face with Hearts

Interestingly, each generation has a different take on the meaning behind the smiley face with hearts.

Gen Z has a sort of sarcastic take. “A passive-aggressive way of bullying someone online. I see people use it in TikTok comments after they say something mean, like, ‘I hate you. 🥰’” Explains Jo, a Gen Z who was interviewed alongside a boomer and a Gen X to find out how emojis, like the Thumbs-up emoji, have changed with each new generation. Meanwhile, Millennials use the emoji to express gratitude or to say “you’re welcome.” Lastly, Boomers use the emoji to express a “happy state of mind.”

The Folded Hands Emoji

The folded hands emoji is another that has a different meaning among each generation.

Gen Z uses the emoji for various reasons including to say”please” or “thank you.” Or to tell someone you’re attracted to them. Whereas, Gen X uses it to show “hopefulness”. Boomers use it in a context similar to Gen X, such as a way to wish someone well on a journey.

The Loudly Crying Emoji

Gen Z uses this emoji to laugh at something that isn’t meant to be funny, such as someone getting hurt in a silly way. While millennials use the loud crying emoji to express intense emotions, such as being moved by a beautiful landscape or a painting. Conversely, boomers use emojis to express intense, but negative, emotions. For example, “If something really sad happened to me or to the person I’m texting, like if their cat died or something.” Explains Ant, another interview participant.

Emojis that are Rarely Used

Meanwhile, similar to the Thumbs-Up emoji, some emojis like the eyes emoji or the smiley face with hearts for eyes aren’t used as often as they once were. Interestingly, the eyes emoji is rarely used by boomers, while Gen X has various interpretations. One take is that it represents someone “having a secret” and another assumes someone is “peeping.”

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