Experts Reveal Hidden Meanings In Emojis Kids Are Using
We send emojis without a second thought every day - little icons that seem harmless and fun. But beneath their colorful surfaces, some carry meanings most adults don’t recognize.
But experts and law enforcement warn that many of these tiny icons carry hidden meanings, serving as a secret code for everything from extremist beliefs and drug deals to se$ual content. What looks like innocent banter between friends can sometimes mask far more concerning messages.
A recent Netflix drama, Adolescence, highlights how teenagers can use ordinary emojis to share disturbing ideas, from extremist beliefs to drug deals and explicit se$ual content. Adolescence follows 13‑year‑old Jamie Miller (played by Owen Cooper), who ends up arrested for murder after getting caught up in online misogynistic communities known as the “manosphere.”
In these groups, simple emojis have become coded signals. For instance, the red pill emoji refers to a belief that you’ve “seen the truth” about gender dynamics- a concept borrowed from the movie The Matrix. Dr. Robert Lawson, a sociolinguistics expert at Birmingham City University, explains that men who claim to be “red‑pilled” believe they understand women’s behavior in a supposedly “real” way.
In the show, a stick of dynamite emoji means an “exploding red pill,” signaling a full commitment to incel ideology. The 💯 emoji represents the “80‑20 rule,” the idea that 80% of women are attracted to only 20% of men.
A fictional teen character even says you must “trick women because you’ll never get them in a normal way.” Kidney beans, coffee cups, and clown faces also serve as shorthand for self‑identifying as an incel.
Andrew Tate and other male influencers promote the “manosphere” ideology.
The manosphere is a loose collection of male influencers and online communities that push misogynistic, sexist ideas. One of its most notorious figures is Andrew Tate — a former kickboxer turned internet personality who’s been accused of rape and human trafficking. Tate and others in the movement use social media to spread harmful messages about women, and their followers signal allegiance through emojis like the red pill, dynamite, and kidney beans.
Getty ImagesEmojis used to discuss drugs
Police forces in the U.K. and Australia report that emojis are often used to buy, sell, or discuss illegal drugs. A horse emoji can refer to ketamine (a veterinary tranquilizer), while skulls, alien faces, or demon masks hint at MDMA. Cocaine might appear as a snowflake, snowman, or blowfish. Nitrous oxide (“NOS”) shows up as balloons, and various pills, syringes, or clouds can indicate different substances. Even a plug emoji or the eight‑ball emoji can signal a drug dealer connection.
Getty ImagesSecret meanings in colored hearts
What looks like innocent heart emojis can actually communicate relationship status or se$ual interest. In Adolescence, a teen character lays it out plainly:
“Red [heart emoji] means love, purple horny, yellow ‘I’m interested, are you interested?’, pink ‘I’m interested but not in s$x,’ orange ‘you’re going to be fine.’”
Getty ImagesSexting signals
Many emojis carry sexual connotations. Eggplants and peaches are obvious stand‑ins for male and female body parts, and water droplets often imply se$ual fluids. Less obvious symbols include the woozy face (drunkenness or arousal), overheating red face (“hot” in a se$ual sense), eyes (requesting nude images), and tongues (oral s$x).
Getty ImagesHelen Schneider, Commander of Human Exploitation at the Australian Federal Police, says most emoji use among young people is harmless - but double meanings can signal risk. She warns that a devil‑face emoji “could be a sign that your child is engaging in sexual activity online.” Her advice? Talk openly about emoji meanings rather than react with anger or punishment.
Technical safeguards are available, too. Both iPhone Screen Time and Google Family Link let parents block specific apps or set usage limits. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization recommends limiting screen time for young children to no more than 60 minutes per day.
Addressing hidden emoji meanings requires a proactive, practical approach rather than fear. When you spot an unfamiliar or suspicious emoji in your child’s messages, ask neutrally: “I saw this emoji—what does it mean?” This calm inquiry encourages honesty and reduces defensiveness.
Regular check‑ins about online content build trust and keep you informed about evolving slang. To prepare, review reputable online resources that decode emoji meanings so you can ask informed questions and identify warning signs early.
Consistent, respectful communication paired with a willingness to learn alongside your child is the most effective way to spot risky behavior and guide safer online choices.
