The secret emoji code Gen Z are using to confuse older generations

From ‘skibidi’ to ‘rizz’, it’s safe to say that many members of Generation Z have their own language. 

Now, it seems that youngsters are also changing the way they use emoji. 

In an attempt to confuse the older generations, Gen Z are ditching ‘mainstream’ emoji in favour of bizarre alternatives. 

‘For the predominantly younger-skewing “chronically online,” riding the wave of emerging trends helps forge identity and create distance from the “out-of-touch” older generations,’ explained Emojipedia. 

‘In a culture shaped by brainrot, post-irony, and existential dread, avoiding the mainstream is a badge of honor.

‘Creating underground memes and micro-viral moments that distinguish an in-the-know in-group from outsiders can be mini-milestones in establishing a generation’s internet identity, leaving others on the outside feeling confused and out of the loop, often intentionally so.’

Emojipedia has revealed three of the most unusual alternatives Gen Z are secretly using. 

So, do you know what these emoji really mean?

Wilted rose emoji

The broken heart emoji is usually the go-to character to convey sadness. 

But for Gen Z, the wilted rose has been deemed this emoji’s cooler alternative. 

‘The Wilted Flower emoji, sometimes called the “dead rose” or the “dead flower,” was deemed the chosen emoji to convey sadness, replacing the Broken Heart,’ explained Emojpedia.

‘The trend began in late February 2025, when a series of memes clowning on the overuse of the heartbreak emoji as too mainstream an emblem of performative sadness took root.’

However, this alternative has caused much confusion amongst older social media users. 

Taking to TikTok, one user asked: ‘What’s up with this rose emoji and why is everyone using it? I’m seeing it way more and more recently – I don’t get it at all.’

Another said: ‘Clearly somebody in the tech space has it out for me. That can be the only explanation for why that wilted rose emoji is being used so much right now.’

Chair emoji

One of the most bizarre alternatives being used by Gen Z is the chair emoji. 

Instead of symbolising furniture, the chair is used in place of the laughing emoji. 

This trend dates back to 2021, when TikToker Anthony Mai proposed spamming KSI with the chair emoji as a stand-in for the classic Crying Laughing Face emoji. 

‘Within the following days, the chair-for-laughter joke had spread like wildfire across social media, with Chair emojis popping up all over TikTok video comments and as the subjects of videos themselves, confusing much of the internet at large,’ Emojipedia said. 

Like the wilted flower emoji, the chair’s proliferation has sparked confusion among people who haven’t seen Mr Mai’s video. 

‘Why is everyone using the chair emoji as laughing emoji?’ one user questioned. 

Another added: ‘Can someone pls explain why everyone keeps putting CHAIR EMOJIS? I’m so confused.’ 

Aerial tramway emoji

The aerial tramway emoji is one of the least-used characters. 

And that’s exactly why it has become popular among Gen Z – who are using it instead of the laughing emoji. 

Inspired by Anthony Mai, YouTuber John Casterline posted a video urging people to use the aerial tramway as a replacement for the Crying Laughing Face. 

‘I came up with a plan where we can make this emoji one of the most used emojis, at least on YouTube,’ he explained in the video. 

‘It’s pretty simple. Instead of using laughing emojis from now on replace it with this. 

‘And if someone doesn’t know why you’re doing it, don’t tell them. 

‘Let’s just confuse every person who hasn’t seen this video.’

Despite only being posted one month ago, Mr Casterline’s video has already wracked up over six million views – with the aerial tramway emoji flooding YouTube.  

‘The aerial-tramway-for-laughter meme has proven again that the seemingly meaningless Gen Z humor in its manifestation as the emoji replacement paradigm meme resonates with at least some users, time after time,’ Emojipedia said.