Gen Z co-opted the smiley face emoji, but beware — it means something totally different to them
What used to be the universal symbol of warmth and joy has taken a sinister turn — at least in the eyes of Gen Z.
The classic smiley face emoji now means something completely different to those under 30.
Instead of conveying happiness, the grinning yellow face is now seen as dismissive, passive-aggressive, or straight-up sarcastic.
And if you're sending it to younger colleagues or friends, it could be rubbing them the wrong way.
Hafeezat Bishi, a 21-year-old intern, recently told the Wall Street Journal that she was taken aback when her older coworkers used the smiley emoji in emails and texts.
4 Flashing a smile at Gen Z? Brace yourself. The classic symbol of warmth and friendliness has morphed into something far snarkier — at least to them.
Emojipedia
'I had to remember they are older, because I use it sarcastically,' Bishi said, explaining that she often views the emoji as conveying a 'side-eye smile' rather than genuine enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, Sara Anderson, a 31-year-old cheerleading coach, told the outlet that she regularly includes the emoji to add 'lightness' to her messages.
But that's exactly the disconnect — what seems friendly to older folks can come off as phony or even biting to the younger crowd.
According to Erica Dhawan, author of 'Digital Body Language: How to Build Trust and Connection, No Matter the Distance,' older generations tend to take emojis at face value, while younger 'digital natives' assign entirely different meanings.
4 Author Erica Dhawan says older folks read emojis by the book — but for Gen Z, those little icons pack a whole new punch.
Tada Images – stock.adobe.com
'People over 30 tend to use emoji according to their dictionary,' Dhawan told the Journal, emphasizing that for Gen Z, emoji meanings have evolved into a whole new lexicon.
But the generational gap isn't just about smileys.
Back in March, Amit Kalley, founder of mom-and-dad support site For Working Parents, warned that emojis have become a covert language for teens to communicate everything from drug slang to hate speech.
'It's far from an exhaustive list, but it's based on common emojis used to say something very different to what you'd think,' Kalley wrote on Instagram, pointing to a 'periodic table of emojis' that decodes the hidden messages.
4 What looks like a friendly emoji to boomers and millennials? To Gen Z, it could mean a fake smile or a not-so-subtle jab.
DisobeyArt – stock.adobe.com
And the emoji evolution doesn't end there.
A recent study from Oklahoma State University found that emoji use can reveal a lot more about your personality than you might think.
Researchers surveyed 285 undergraduates, mostly 20-year-olds, to see how their emoji habits aligned with personality traits.
4 To Gen Z, that classic smiley face emoji isn't all sunshine — it's more of a smug, side-eye smirk that can come off as passive-aggressive in texts like above.
'Emoji use may be related to strategies to manipulate the perceptions of others and to present a positive impression of oneself,' the study said, suggesting that what you send could say more about you than you realize.
So, the next time you slap a smiley face emoji on a message to Gen Z, think twice — it might not come off as cheery as you'd hoped.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
2 hours ago
- New York Post
Boomer bummer: Cuomo's over-the-hill campaign strategy no match for Mamdani's fresh approach
He won by playing it cool. Mayoral Dem primary winner Zohran Mamdani shot up in popularity with younger voters as comedians and influencers lambasted out-of-touch ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Democratic observers say. The winning 33-year-old socialist's online stature — bolstered by his own masterfully produced social content — tapped into the zeitgeisty humor of Millennials and Gen Z, making the 67-year-old Cuomo's social strategy look like something out of a history book, they said. 'We really need young men in their 30s and 40s who still listen to podcasts (to come out and vote),' New York City-based comedian Nick Mullen said sarcastically, ribbing Cuomo, in a video posted to Instagram alongside Madmani the day before the primaries. 5 City socialist Zohran Mamdani celebrates his mayoral Dem primary-race win In Long Island City, Queens, last month. Stephen Yang 'I cannot listen to Andrew Cuomo ever again,' added Mullen, who donated to Mamdani's campaign, to his 213,000 followers in a video that scored more than 50,000 likes. While Mamdani's primary win last month seemed to come out of nowhere to some, it didn't to 20- to 30-somethings across the five boroughs. Nearly every major poll projected a fairly easy Cuomo victory — but they clearly neglected to capture to the scope of Mamdani's digital grassroots mega-movement. 5 Mamdani joins comedian Nick Mullen in encouraging young people to vote for the 33-year-old pol. Instagram/@mulldogforever 5 On the morning of the primaries, Mamdani filmed another social video with supermodel Emily Ratajkowski. Instagram/@emrata Mullen's post was one of many reels and TikTok videos from Mamdani's base that garnered hundreds of thousands of views, reaching young voters in a way Cuomo's didn't, a review by The Post found. In exchange for $2,000 from the Mamdani campaign, comedian Jeffrey Seal wrote, directed and starred in a nearly 6-minute video that follows the 'Journalist' around the Big Apple as he tried to find the elusive Cuomo. The cheeky short — which racked up 1.2 million views — is chockful of hits to Cuomo's record and features iconic New Yorkers including comedian Ilana Glaser of 'Broad City' and musician Reggie Watts. On the morning of the primaries, Mamdani also filmed another social video with supermodel Emily Ratajkowski. The proof of Mamdani's sleeper popularity was in the primary results — with him destroying Cuomo in a historic upset, taking home a 56% to 44% victory in the third round of the city's ranked choice voting — and winning the popular vote in every round before that. While complete voter age data won't be released by election officials until July 15, polls by Emerson and Marist from May and June had shown Mamdani leading with voters under 45 by as much as a 2:1 ratio against the former governor. 5 Jeffrey Seal was paid $2,000 by the Mamdani campaign to direct a video poking fun at Cuomo. Instagram/@zohrankmamdani Zohran spent more than $85,000 on video production, not including TV Ads, while Cuomo's strategy hinged heavily on staid union endorsements along with name recognition and an older voter base. Alyssa Cass, a partner at Sling Shot Strategies who ran Scott Stringer's failed bid for mayor, gave props to Mamdani's strategy. 'It really mattered, it made it part of the culture in a way that none of us were seeing,' she said of his online, take-it-to-the-streets tactics. 'Visibly matters a lot in mayoral races, and he became the only candidate that anyone talked about. 'I even forgot Cuomo had a logo. He ran it like it was Bill Clinton, like it was 1992 race,' she said. A Post review of the ex-governor's social-media accounts found no instances of the legacy politician intentionally engaging with voters under 45. The former governor notoriously conducted most of his appearances in secure venues and used concert-style paper wrist bands to identify attendees of his events, which became a laughing matter among reporters and others attending them. 5 'He ran it like it was Bill Clinton, like it was a 1992 race,' a political operative said of Cuomo's campaign. Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Post 'This may come as a surprise to Cuomo and his irrelevant consultant friends, but only going to protected event spaces filled with paid attendees is more outdated than a North Korean military parade,' a Dem strategist said. Rich Azzopardi, a spokesman for the Cuomo campaign, told The Post, 'There is no doubt we could have done more to reach out to younger voters, and that's one of the issues currently under review as we consider next steps.' One standout moment of Mamdani's campaign came the Friday before the primary, when the Queens state assemblyman traversed the length of Manhattan — of course capturing the 13.4 mile journey on video to share with his 1.1 million followers on TikTok. 'On Friday night, we walked the length of Manhattan, from Inwood Hill to Battery Park. Because New Yorkers deserve a Mayor they can hear, see and even yell at if they need to. We out here,' Mamdani wrote in the caption. Mamdani's rep did not respond to Post requests for comment.
New York Post
5 hours ago
- New York Post
Single women ditch wearing makeup on first dates — and experts encourage it
These ladies are going au natural at their amorous appointments — and loving it. In general, Gen Z has trended towards skipping out on classic date nights like traditional dinners and drinks in favor of more adventurous, active ventures like ocean swims, yoga sessions, or rock climbing. These activities allow potential paramours to get to know each other without the pressure of sitting across from each other and talking for hours on end — though eventually, there comes a point in a relationship where this is necessary. Advertisement The latest move to ease the tension and anxiety of a first date? No makeup, a la Pamela Anderson. 3 The growing trend is also beneficial for those who simply don't enjoy wearing makeup, or don't know how to apply it properly. fizkes – Both Millennials and Gen Zers have taken to the Internet to share their experiences with the movement, and overall, they're psyched about their new looks, and the confidence boosts it can — potentially, as @madisonoud pointed out — bring with it. Advertisement @madisonoud i'm either going to be really proud of myself or hysterically crying in 2 hours ♬ MUTT – Leon Thomas Aside from saving plenty of time getting ready, skipping out on glam can also be helpful for those struggling with perfection compulsions and people-pleasing. Experts say that arriving at a first date fresh-faced can help screen potential suitors who simply aren't a match. 3 If your date doesn't like you as you are, ditch him, many women say. DragonImages – Advertisement 'If someone you date loses interest simply because you weren't wearing makeup, that's useful information,' said Janine O'Brien, a licensed clinical psychologist and relationship therapist, in an interview with Bustle. Women online agree — why waste your time getting ready for someone you barely know, especially when there's a fair chance they didn't do the same? 'Don't see the issue. Men don't do their makeup,' said one comment under @madisonoud's video. 'To your date, [going makeup-free] may communicate confidence, self-acceptance, and authenticity. And that can set the tone for a relationship where you're not afraid to show up as your full self,' O'Brien said. Advertisement Some women are also adopting strategies like wearing more makeup as they go on more dates with the same person — both to show their interest in the other person and to demonstrate that effort goes both ways. 3 Today's generation of women are saying buh-bye to mascara and lip gloss for first dates. Drobot Dean – Gen Z daters are not only ditching makeup — they're apparently also leaving dating apps in the past and turning towards old-fashioned matchmaking services. 'Matchmaking in this country has never been more popular,' Adam Cohen-Aslatei, director of Tawkify matchmaking service, told The Post. 'It's really grown pretty tremendously.' 'Business has never been stronger for Cohen-Aslatei and the company saw its busiest month last year.
Time Business News
11 hours ago
- Time Business News
What Does BMF Stand For in Different Contexts?
The acronym 'BMF' has become increasingly visible across pop culture, social media, business, and even television. While some know it from the hit crime series or hip-hop circles, others may encounter it in corporate documents or casual texts. So, what does BMF stand for? The answer varies depending on the context, and understanding those nuances is key. This article breaks down the different interpretations of BMF, explaining how it means one thing on the streets, another in the boardroom, and something completely different on your favorite streaming service. When it comes to acronyms, BMF is one of those chameleon-like terms that shifts meaning depending on where and how it's used. The BMF acronym can mean a bold slang term, the name of a notorious crime family, a casual texting phrase, or even a legitimate business term. Here's a quick preview of what BMF might stand for: 'Bad Mother F***er' in slang and pop culture 'Black Mafia Family,' a real-life criminal organization Casual abbreviations in texting like 'Be My Friend' Business terms such as 'Business Management Framework' As you can see, asking what does BMF stand for is really a question of context. Let's explore each usage in more detail. In urban slang, BMF is an abbreviation for 'Bad Mother F***er.' This version of the term is often used to describe someone who is powerful, fearless, and commands respect. It's not just an insult or compliment—it's a label worn with pride in certain circles. The phrase gained mainstream popularity thanks to Quentin Tarantino's 1994 cult classic Pulp Fiction , in which Samuel L. Jackson's character carries a wallet emblazoned with 'Bad Mother F***er.' Today, you'll see BMF used across rap lyrics, social media, and gaming chats as a badge of honor. It's often used to denote someone who's dominant, skilled, or just plain cool. In Gen Z slang, it sometimes appears playfully among friends, but its tone and impact still carry that original weight. If you've ever seen BMF on TikTok or Twitter, chances are this is the version being used. Perhaps the most widely recognized interpretation of BMF is the Black Mafia Family, a powerful drug trafficking and money laundering organization that operated in the United States during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Founded by brothers Demetrius 'Big Meech' Flenory and Terry 'Southwest T' Flenory, the BMF Black Mafia Family built a drug empire that extended coast to coast. But it wasn't just drugs—they also ran a hip-hop label, BMF Entertainment, which helped blur the lines between crime and celebrity culture. The family's story came crashing down in the mid-2000s when the DEA dismantled their network, leading to major prison sentences for the founders. However, their legacy lived on in music, urban folklore, and later, television. Understanding what BMF stands for in this context reveals the deep cultural impact this group had—not just on crime history but on modern entertainment. If you've received a message or seen a post with 'BMF' and it's not about crime or slang, you might be wondering: what does BMF mean in text messages? In casual texting or chat, BMF can mean several different things depending on the conversation. The most common texting interpretations include: 'Bad Mother F *er'** – still widely used, though less formal *er'** – still widely used, though less formal 'Be My Friend' – often used jokingly or sincerely, especially by teens – often used jokingly or sincerely, especially by teens 'Big Money Flex' – slang for showing off wealth or success Text abbreviations often lack context, so if you're unsure, just ask the sender. The tone, emojis, and situation usually provide clues. This interpretation of BMF continues to evolve with internet culture, meme language, and regional dialects, especially among younger audiences. Also Read About What does BMF mean in TikTok In a more professional or technical context, BMF can take on a completely different identity. While it's rare, some industries use BMF as shorthand for legitimate business or financial terms. Here are a few business-specific meanings: Business Management Framework – used in corporate planning and strategy – used in corporate planning and strategy Banking and Financial Management – particularly in academia or training materials – particularly in academia or training materials Big Market Fund – a hypothetical or marketing term in investment circles These uses of BMF are usually confined to industry-specific documents, meetings, or educational materials. So if you encounter BMF in an office setting or professional email, it's safe to assume it's far removed from the slang or criminal meaning. In recent years, the acronym BMF reached a whole new audience thanks to the hit STARZ series produced by rapper 50 Cent. The show, simply titled BMF , is based on the rise and fall of the Black Mafia Family, dramatizing their criminal empire and family dynamics. So what's the difference between the BMF TV show vs real life? The show is inspired by real events but dramatized for entertainment. It offers a character-driven perspective that blends fact with fiction. While Big Meech and his crew are portrayed with depth, critics have noted that certain events are exaggerated or compressed. Nevertheless, the series has reignited interest in the acronym and introduced a new generation to the BMF legacy. If someone mentions BMF in pop culture today, they may be talking more about the show than the original crime syndicate. The acronym BMF is a fascinating example of how language and culture intersect. Depending on the context, it can mean a lot of different things: a bold slang term, a historic criminal organization, a phrase in a text message, a structured business term, or a hit TV series. Understanding what BMF stands for requires knowing the environment in which it's used. One version may come across as empowering or humorous, while another carries a legacy of crime and power. As acronyms continue to evolve in our digital and media-driven world, it's more important than ever to ask not just what something means, but where and why it's being used. For more smart short-word guides like this, be sure to check out other tips on TIME BUSINESS NEWS TIME BUSINESS NEWS
