Top 10 Most Misunderstood Emojis And What They Really Mean

Top 10 Most Misunderstood Emojis and What They Really Mean

Emojis are a fun and fast way to express ourselves—but some of them are often misunderstood or misused. Here at Herotom.com, we decode every emoji so you can communicate more clearly. In this post, we’ll reveal the true meanings behind 10 of the most commonly confused emojis.

1.  Grinning Face with Sweat
What people think: Nervous laughter or embarrassment.
What it actually means: Relief after a stressful situation.

2.  Upside-Down Face
What people think: Goofy or lighthearted joke.
What it actually means: Sarcasm or passive-aggressiveness.

3.  Skull
What people think: Halloween or something scary.
What it actually means: “I’m dead” (used humorously for something really funny or shocking).

4.  Loudly Crying Face
What people think: Extreme sadness.
What it actually means: Intense emotion (can be good or bad, often used ironically for laughter or drama).

5.  Folded Hands
What people think: Praying.
What it actually means: A gesture of gratitude or saying “please” or “thank you” in Japanese culture.

6. Pleading Face
What people think: Sad puppy eyes.
What it actually means: Begging, cuteness overload, or asking for something sweetly.

7.  Grimacing Face
What people think: Angry or scared.
What it actually means: Awkwardness or nervous tension.

8.  Smiling Face with Sunglasses
What people think: Just cool or confident.
What it actually means: Success, chill attitude, or approval.

9.  Face Blowing a Kiss
What people think: Romantic gesture.
What it actually means: Friendly affection—not always romantic, depending on context.

10.  Brain
What people think: Literally the brain organ.
What it actually means: Intelligence, deep thoughts, or “mind-blown.”

Why This Matters

Using emojis correctly helps avoid confusion and keeps your digital communication effective. Visit our Emoji Meanings Guide to explore the full library of meanings, examples, and emoji tips.

Ready to Master Emojis?

Search your favorite emojis on Herotom.com and never misuse one again. Stay ahead of the conversation—one emoji at a time.

Explore more emoji meanings → Herotom.com