👍 Thumbs Up emoji

In some cultures, including Australia, Greece, and the Middle East, the thumbs-up gesture can be considered obscene, equivalent to “Up yours!”

In many Western cultures, the thumbs-up emoji enjoys a wide range of use in text messages, social-media posts, and other forms of digital communication. On its own, a thumbs-up emoji can indicate “OK” or “Got it.” For example, if one person asked to meet another at 2:30, the other person could acknowledge the appointment with a thumbs-up emoji. The thumbs-up emoji also frequently punctuates text, sometimes in strings for additional emphasis, to indicate positivity, agreement, approval, encouragement, or assurance, an equivalent to “Awesome!” or Great job!”. Someone might comment “That looks great! 👍” to celebrate a piece of online artwork. Another person might post “Please subscribe to my channel if you like my content! 👍” to solicit support or to say thanks.

As with much of language, the thumbs-up emoji can also be used sarcastically: “Way to ruin the party 👍.” It’s also sometimes used in reference to the “This guy” meme (e.g., “Who’s got two thumbs and a ticket to the premiere of Black Panther? This guy”).