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The emoji could appear differently on different platforms.
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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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.
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.
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:
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:
Since the Pinched Fingers emoji is generally considered of Italian origin, it is used to appreciate Italian things and Italy.
For example:
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:
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:
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.
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Before responding, confirm the context. Try to know which of the above meanings it could have and respond accordingly.
If the sender's message is talking about Italy or Italian things, you could reply with your knowledge of Italian things.
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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.
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If you think the other person is using the emoji as part of a bickering statement, try to deflect or leave the argument.
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If the sender is a K-pop fan, then reciprocate the excitement by sending the same 🤌 emoji.
For example:
Finally, if somebody compliments you with 🤌 emoji, accept their compliment and thank them.
For example:
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.
Try to gauge the context but if you are still confused, message in the text to clarify the meaning than presuming the meaning.
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.
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.