Those WeChat Emoji(s) Don't Mean What You Think

Chinese is a complicated language. Even more so when you head into the web-universe and all the internet slang and symbols that now also convey meaning. For the Chinese, emojis are a part of daily life when WeChatting your lover(s), friends, co-workers, etc. 

HOWEVER, Some of these emojis translate to a pretty far off meaning than what most Westerns think. Keep reading to find the true meaning behind some of these emojis.

Looks innocent right? Don’t judge a book by its cover has never been so true. When the Chinese use this WeChat sticker titled [Smile] it is actually intended to convey complete and utter despise, disagreement, and dissatisfaction with the receiving party. In fact, it’s often referred to as the “I’m going to kill you” sticker.

Most foreigners who receive this face would immediately get worried that they’ve upset or angered their friend. Don’t worry, your friend is upset but rather just confused. That’s right, the Chinese see this face that literally translates as “Scowl” as a face of confusion. Not out of anger, but possibly out of exhaustion, confusion, or another type of misdirection, the Chinese will send this emoji to explain their complex emotion.

Drowsy? Maybe use a sleeping Zzz emoji instead. What translates as drowsy and definitely looks exhausted in WeChat, is actually once again used to express displeasure, annoyance, and stupidity. It would certainly get awkward pretty quick if you were to receive this and then tell your friend they ought to 好好休息 (get a good rest). Vice versa, you also don’t want to be making all your friends believe that you think they’re being stupid simply because you’re tired. Avoid this emoji when possible.

Last but certainly not least comes the “wave” that is used to say goodbye, or so you thought… While some Chinese very much use this to say goodbye, it’s more colloquially used to express that you NEVER want to see this person again. Once again, expressing displeasure, disappointment, and utter hatred for the receiving party (you see the theme here don’t you?), the “wave” emoji basically saying the following:

“Get the F@#K out of my face and never come back.”

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