Pinched Finger emoji was added to Emoji 13.0 unicode in 2020. Since then, it has joined the Android, iOS, and other popular emoji libraries. It is called by various other names like the “Italian hand” emoji or the “finger purse” emoji. While these in itself suggest some meanings of the pinched finger emoji, here we will see the different meanings of this emoji in different communities, cultures, and contexts.
Note: The emoji could appear differently on different platforms, be it operating systems or social media networks. Accordingly, they could be interpreted differently based on where you are using them. In any case, by the end, you will have a good idea of what this pinched finger emoji means and how to use it.
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How does the Pinched Finger emoji look like 🤌?
The Pinched Finger emoji has a raised-up palm with its fingers pinched to a point. You’ll have to bring together the thumb and the index finger with a small gap between them. The remaining fingers would be extended outward and stay hidden behind the hand.
It was created by Jennifer Lee (vice-chair of the Unicode Emoji Subcommittee), Adriano Farano (an Italian media entrepreneur), and Theo Schear (an emoji maker).
Over time, it has been adopted by different OSes and social media platforms. They look slightly different to match their core theme. In the above image, you can see some of the common variations of this emoji in use on the web. You can also use it in different skin tones on most platforms.
What is the meaning of the Pinched Finger emoji?
While the pinched finger gesture has many meanings across different parts of the world, its popularity as an emoji can be ascribed to its usage in Italy.
But, it’s important to know the intent and the context, so that both the sender and receiver are on the same page when it comes to its meaning. Otherwise, there would be miscommunication.
How to use Pinched Finger Emoji 🤌 at different places and different contexts
Pinched Finger gesture means different things at different places. So, you should know the context in which you are using it or receiving it. Otherwise, there would be misunderstandings.
Here are its varied meanings at different places for your understanding:
How Italians use the Pinched Finger emoji
If a person uses the Pinched Finger emoji, they mean to ask, ‘What do you want?’ (or Ma che vuoi? in Italian) as an expression of their frustration.
For example:
- If your friend is not being specific about the plan for a trip over the weekend, you can message him/her, “So, what’s the actual plan? 🤌”
- You and your partner are planning for a dinner date at your home after work and you are ordering food online from your office, but your partner is unable to decide what they want to order. So you can text your partner, “What kind of food do you want? 🤌”
When non-Italians use the Pinched Finger emoji to appreciate Italian things
Since the Pinched Fingers emoji is generally considered of Italian origin, it is used to appreciate Italian things and Italy.
For example:
- The painting of Mona Lisa is mesmerizing 🤌
- I tried Pizza at an Italian restaurant 🤌
How do South West Asian and Indian people in particular use the Pinched Finger emoji?
In India, a Pinched Finger gesture is used to ask if the other person is hungry, or had food, or is ready to have food, etc.
In Israel, people use Pinched Finger emoji to say “Hold On,” “relax,” or “be patient”.
In other places like Africa, it could be used to bicker.
For example:
- I’m going out for lunch. Have you 🤌?
- Hey 🤌, I just need a minute to grab my jacket, and then we can head out.
- 🤌 Oh, really? Do you think you can make better coffee than me? Let’s settle this today!
How K-pop fans use the Pinched Finger emoji
K-pop star Yuri uses the Pinched Finger emoji as a symbol of love to her fans. They also respond with the gesture. Since it looks like a Korean dumpling, the emoji is called “I Mandu You” in Korean, wherein Mandu means dumpling.
For example:
- I 🤌Yuri from Girls’ Generation
- 🤌BTS
Pinched Finger for Chef’s Kiss
Chef’s Kiss, for those unaware also has roots in Italian culture and it means a chef is so happy with what they have cooked. It is an expression of their happiness and in modern culture and online, people use this gesture to praise something delicious, amazing, etc. The emoji is thus used to denote this expression.
For example:
- Your hands have magic as this biriyani is yum! 🤌
How to Respond to Pinched Finger emoji?
Before responding, confirm the context. Try to know which of the above meanings it could have and respond accordingly.
Responding in the Italian context
If the sender’s message is talking about Italy or Italian things, you could reply with your knowledge of Italian things.
For example:
- Sender: Hey, so many good Italian pizza outlets. 🤌 Which one should I go for?
You: You can go to the Pizzeria da Franco.
Don’t stereotype
Try not to jump to conclusions or come across as stereotypical. If somebody used it in a different cultural context and you mistook it for Italian or Chef’s Kiss, the recipient could feel miffed or confused at your response.
For example:
- Sender: Hey, on my recent trip I got to try Paella and it is so tasty. 🤌
- You (wrong response): Oh wow! I will also try Paella when I visit Italy!
- You (right response): Where is Paella from?
- Sender: It’s a Spanish dish that I had when I went to Barcelona.
- You: I will also try it when I visit Barcelona someday.
Avoid arguments
If you think the other person is using the emoji as part of a bickering statement, try to deflect or leave the argument.
For example:
- Sender: Hey, I tasted a sip of your coffee today and it was well, let’s just say it was something. 🤌
- Me (wrong response): What do you mean by “it was something”?
- Sender: If you want to taste the best coffee out there, I can teach to you. It will be any day better than whatever that was.
- Me (right response): It didn’t come out well today. If you are making one for yourself, I would love to have one.
- Sender: Ah, it happens some days. No worries. I will make a good cup of coffee for you.
Responding to a K-pop fan’s message with a 🤌 emoji
If the sender is a K-pop fan, then reciprocate the excitement by sending the same 🤌 emoji.
For example:
- Sender: Isn’t Jisoo from Black Pink 🤌?
Me: Yes, I too find her beautiful and highly talented. 🤌
Responding to a compliment
Finally, if somebody compliments you with 🤌 emoji, accept their compliment and thank them.
For example:
- Sender: Hey, you are too good at everything you do. 🤌
Me: Aww, thank you.
FAQ
Can I use 🤏 (Pinched Hand emoji) instead of the Pinched Finger emoji?
Pinching Hand emoji cannot be used in place of Pinched Fingers emoji as it means a pinch or small amount of something. It looks slightly different as there is a hand with thumb and index finger held nearby.
What should I do if I am confused about the Pinched Emoji meaning?
Try to gauge the context but if you are still confused, message in the text to clarify the meaning than presuming the meaning.
Are there any interesting facts about the Pinched Finger Emoji’s history?
One of the co-creators of the emoji, Mr. Lee was confused about what the pinched fingers gesture meant when he first saw the other co-creator, Mr. Farano using the gesture. The latter told him what it meant and then they worked together with Mr. Schear to create this emoji.
Can I use the Pinched Finger Emoji to indicate a small measurement or quantity?
For that purpose, we have a different emoji called Pinched Hand emoji which looks slightly different. So, please don’t get confused between the two.
