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I’m an emoji expert… here’s what your favourite colourful icons actually mean and which to avoid
AN emoji expert has revealed the real meaning behind common icons - and which to avoid when flirting.
Keith Broni, 33, claimed there are certain icons that shouldn't be used to message a love interest.
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The editor-in-chief of Emojipedia - the emoji search engine - said emojis can be used in flirtatious banter to "inject a sense of playfulness".
But he warned against using certain emojis that can come across as "too much" too early on in a relationship because they have sexual connotations.
Keith's top emojis to avoid are the eggplant, peach and water droplets.
He said people should also avoid using the fire emoji, red hearts and the disembodied tongue during the initial stages of dating.
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Keith, from Dublin, Ireland, said: "Many emojis now have euphemistic meanings.
"The red heart - I would warn against. It can come off strong.
"The smiley devil face is a little inappropriate and naughty. It's sexually charged. It can come off OTT.
"Avoid anything overly explicit."
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Keith said anything you wouldn't type out in a text shouldn't be communicated via emoji.
He said emojis are popular on dating app profiles - with many people using them in their bios to express their hobbies and interests.
But he warned dating app users to choose their emojis carefully.
He said: "People use them to try and ensure that tone of the message is conveyed.
"The winking face is used when people want to be playful and coy.
"You should treat emojis in the same way you would if chatting to a friend."
Keith said we should also avoid the wink with tongue face and the disembodied tongue is "off limits".
Keith said replying with just an emoji can shows the extent you are willing to respond and can be "a stopper" in a conversation.
He also warned against excessively using emojis.
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He said: "If you use too many that can be seen as childish.
"When a relationship is cemented it's safer to use the sexual emojis."
Emojis to avoid when flirting
Emoji expert Keith Broni has revealed the real meaning of certain emojis
- Eggplant - has developed sexual connotations
- Fire - often sent as a compliment but can come off strong
- Red heart - connotations of romance
- Wink with tongue out Devil face - can come across as naughty
- Water droplets - is sexually charged
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