Here are the emojis that are falling out of favor around the world

[Marshy]

 

Emojis. Those tiny digital pictograms that have become a universal language. We use them to express joy, sadness, and even a bit of wooziness (whatever that means). But with new emojis constantly rolling out, it seems some of our once-beloved faces are falling out of favor.

 

A recent report by Superside, a creative subscription service, analyzed emoji usage trends and uncovered some surprising results. Launched just in time for World Emoji Day (July 17th!), the study identified emojis most at risk of becoming “extinct.” Could these be the dinosaurs of the digital vernacular?

 

So, which emojis are on the endangered emoji list? Turns out, the once-ubiquitous ‘okay hand’ () has plunged a whopping 66 places in popularity since 2013, taking the top spot for most unpopular emoji globally. ‘Flushed face’ () and ‘person raising both hands in celebration’ () follow closely behind.

 

 

 

The decline is likely due to a combination of factors: the introduction of newer emojis that resonate better with users, and, unfortunately, the adoption of some emojis by hate groups, tainting their original meaning.

 

 

While the ‘winking face with tongue’ () holds the title of most unpopular emoji in the US overall, the picture gets even more interesting when we zoom in on specific cities. The  ‘smirking face’ () is facing extinction in a surprising number of US hubs, with only a handful of holdouts.

 

 

Across Europe, the story’s a little different. ‘Face screaming in fear’ () is on the endangered list in nearly half of all European countries, followed closely by the ‘smirking face’ () once again.

 

This emoji evolution highlights the ever-changing nature of communication. As new generations emerge with their own digital preferences, some emojis inevitably get left behind. So, the next time you're crafting the perfect text with your favorite symbol, remember—someday, someone might find it lame.
 

• https://www.superside.com/emojis-going-extinct 

 

 

Images: Mykhailo Polenok | Dreamstime.com (opening), Superside