❓ What it means
The 🤷 emoji is a powerful way to say “I don’t know,” “I can’t help it,” or “whatever.”
It features a person with shoulders raised and hands open and turned upwards, a classic gesture of shrugging.
It conveys a feeling of being powerless or not having an answer.
It can be used for genuine confusion or for a more nonchalant, sarcastic, or apathetic response.
🎯 When to use it
- When you don’t have an answer:
"What time does the movie start? 🤷" - To show you can’t do anything about a situation:
"The bus is late again, I guess 🤷" - As a response to a crazy or unbelievable statement:
"He said he’s moving to the moon 🤷" - To convey indifference:
"She didn't text me back. Oh well, 🤷"
🔗 Related Emojis
- 🤷♂️ Man Shrugging and 🤷♀️ Woman Shrugging: Gendered versions of the shrug emoji that have the same meaning and are used interchangeably.
- 🤦 Person Facepalming: A more physical and often more dramatic symbol of exasperation or disbelief.
- 🤔 Thinking Face: Can be used to show that you are confused or trying to think of an answer, but don’t have one yet.
- 🙄 Face with Rolling Eyes: Can be used alongside the shrug emoji to show a feeling of “I’m so over this.”
🤓 Fun Fact
The 🤷 Shrug emoji was created as the official emoji version of the famous Japanese emoticon, or “kaomoji,” ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ (known as the “shruggie”).
The kaomoji became a widely popular symbol of a “what can you do?” attitude, and the emoji was created to bring that same feeling to mobile devices and social media.