EMOTICONS On INSTAGRAM,

what do they mean?

May-Britt posted a pic of herself on Instagram a week or two ago, of herself smugly showing off a hot apple tart. A gift from our friends at Iconic Studios, delivered still warm and “almost criminally delicious”. Fine, but May’s followers decided to reward the post with tiny icons of hands point upwards. Why? To clear this type of misunderstanding up for once and for all, here is an introduction to the use of emoji’s on Instagram.

To start, that pointed finger means that the poster agrees with the comment above. In the case of May and her apple tart, it had to do with a series of compliments, however in all honesty the comments were not that funny so I’m not entirely sure why 33 (!) people found it necessary to use the finger icon.

Then we come to the yellow emoticon with hearts instead of eyes. Yes, this one is sent when someone is so extremely in love that he or she sees hearts, buttt it can also be used for other situations like during moments of great enthusiasm. I once had a girlfriend who spent months being confused wondering if her booty-call had developed a crush on her. Turned out to be nothing, mister was simply showing his approval for her Instagram pics in this hearty way.

Perfect for Instagram, because they are cute and say a lot

People are often confused by the two hands giving each other a high five. Is that a high five? Or are they praying hands? I always use them for the first reason but I have recently been asked why I’m suddenly showing such religious tendencies.

My personal favourite is the woman in the red dress. You should use this one to show that you are looking forward to an upcoming party or other event. Just like the confetti canon or balloons. I use this one at least 18 times per day. Guilty as charged.

Then the monkeys. Monkeys with eyes, ears or mouth covered. Perfect for Instagram, because they are cute and they say a lot, just like the photos (if they’re good). Handy as replacement for the winking smiley (which we all hate now), to enhance your message and ideal for subtle flirting. For those who want to take it a step further or who are wondering why that one male person consequently reacts with aubergines and peaches; I hereby present the Handboek Sexting By Emoticons, which describes everything in detail.

Instagram, no-one said is was easy.