In celebration of World Emoji Day (July 17) and the recent expansion of Reactions on WhatsApp announced by Mark Zuckerberg, we’re sharing some fun facts on how people across Southern Africa are using emojis across our other apps, Facebook and Instagram.
Everyday billions of consumers around the world use Meta’s technologies (Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp) to communicate and connect with their family, friends and communities – often those connections come in emoji form. People may not always be able to connect in the physical form but Emojis help bring out what words cannot always express.
With the introduction of new Emojis, consumers continue to enjoy the light hearted and humorous way of communicating.
Here’s a look at some the most popular emojis used in the last year:
Top 5 emojis by Zimbabwe over the past year:
The soccer ball emoji is most popular among Zimbabwean nationals on IG bios. Some other popular sports emojis include the ones shown below.
The most popular food emoji in Zimbabwe is the cake emoji. Following not far behind, some popular food and beverage emojis include the ones shown below.
Also, among the most popular newly released emojis (version 14.0) on Facebook used by people living in Zimbabwe (and their meanings according to the Emojipedia) are:
A yellow face with tears welling up at the bottom of its two large eyes. May be used to express a range of emotions including sadness, anger, embarrassment, admiration, and gratitude.
Two hands forming a heart shape. Used to express love and support..
A yellow face with its hands over its eyes and raised eyebrows. One wide eye is peeking through the fingers. Can be used to express the duality of wanting to look away from something because it’s frightening, disgusting, or embarrassing, but not being able to.
A yellow face with its right hand saluting. Used as a sign of respect.
A yellow face with open (non-smiling) eyes and a hand over the mouth, used to convey shock or surprise.
Harare Magazine is a lifestyle and events magazine that informs readers on where to visit, where to find different products, places to eat out and current updates on events that are taking place in the city of Harare.
Through the expansive use of new media, Harare Magazine will help to showcase the vibrancy of a city and eventually of a country.
Despite of a variety of challenges presented to Zimbabweans, there is always an unwavering and proud spirit that shines through in our community. Harare Magazine strives to showcase as many of these uplifting stories as possible, from the very small to the very large.
“Whether it is through small businesses that forge ahead, natural artistic talents that are nurtured and cultivated, sporting challenges that are met or simply through the commitment to network and spread knowledge, the vitality and tenacity of this Zimbabwean community continues to amaze.” – Ernest Nyahanana, Publisher, Harare Magazine
A yellow face with tears welling up at the bottom of its two large eyes. May be used to express a range of emotions including sadness, anger, embarrassment, admiration, and gratitude.
A yellow face with its hands over its eyes and raised eyebrows. One wide eye is peeking through the fingers. Can be used to express the duality of wanting to look away from something because it’s frightening, disgusting, or embarrassing, but not being able to.
A yellow face with its right hand saluting. Used as a sign of respect.
A yellow face with open (non-smiling) eyes and a hand over the mouth, used to convey shock or surprise.
