The Brief: Celebrate World Emoji Day on July 17th, 2019 by brushing up on the meaning behind some of the internet's favorite emojis.

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Emojis have the power of making any text, comment, or tweet a little more fun and colorful. However, it can also be difficult to decipher their exact meanings within different contexts and nuances.

Even the most commonly used emojis can be confusing and aren’t always used in a literal way. For example, a face with sunglasses might be used to convey someone enjoying a sunny day, feeling a little extra, or “deal with it.” 😎

On July 17th, 2019, we celebrate World Emoji Day, the sixth annual celebration of all things emoji.

In honor of #WorldEmojiDay, here’s a quick guide to some of the most misunderstood emojis and the multiple meanings they convey.

Flex 💪

The flex or “flexed biceps” emoji shows an arm with flexed muscles. One might use the flexed bicepts in reference to the gym, exercise, or strength. It can also refer to “flexin” or the phrase “weird flex but ok,” which means showing off. 

Example: I totally aced that test! 💪

Fire 🔥

In addition to representing literal fire, this emoji can refer to the slang term “fire,” which describes something that is good or awesome. The fire emoji can also indicate that someone is good looking or “hot.” 

Example: These chicken nuggets are 🔥

😱Surprise Face 

The surprise face or “face screaming in fear” can express fear, shock, awe, surprise, and other similar ‘OMG’ emotions. It’s not always easy to tell if it’s meant as a negative or positive reaction to something, and can indicate a mixed, but strong reaction. 

Example: Me after watching The Bachelorette last night: 😱

Hug 🤗

The hug or “hugging face with hands” emoji is a cute way to represent a hug or general affection. It can also be used in relation to platonic, familial, or romantic love.

Example: Miss you bae! 🤗

Floating Eyes 👀

The “floating eyes” emoji can be a way to express a wide-eyed reaction to something, to say “look over there,” “check this out,” or “wow.” It can also add an aura of intrigue or mystery to something and/or directly replace the words “see,” “watch,” or “look.”

Example: Hey yo check John’s new car 👀

Sweat Droplets 💦

The sweat droplet emoji can connote sweat, water, or other… bodily fluids. Sometimes it’s used in a sexually suggestive context, often accompanying the 🍆 emoji. 

Example: Crossfit this morning got me like 💦

Eggplant 🍆

Although it can be used to represent an actual eggplant, this emoji is most often used to reference a penis because of its phallic shape. The purple veggie can also be used when referencing someone’s BDE, aka big d**k energy. 

Example: Robbie has big 🍆 energy. 

Peach 🍑

Like the eggplant emoji, the peach is best known for its sexual connotation, though it can also represent the literal fruit. As the shape of the emoji resembles buttocks, it’s often used in reference to a butt. 

Example: I like big 🍑s and I cannot lie.