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ICON'T BELIEVE IT

You’re using emoji WRONG – 8 icons that don’t mean what you think

EMOJI might seem harmless enough – but using the wrong one could leave you red-faced.

The colourful icons are now a universal language, but some of them have hidden meanings.

What could possibly be naughty about a merman?
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What could possibly be naughty about a merman?

In fact, many emoji can be misconstrued as something a bit naughty, creating a messaging minefield.

So which ones are you using wrong?

Aubergine emoji

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The aubergine (or eggplant in some parts) has become one of the most recognised filthy emoji.

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It's fair to say, some are probably more familiar with it in a naughty sense than its original vegetable purpose.

For those that don't know already, it's used to illustrate the male appendage.

The good old banana and corn emoji have also been used for the same thing, as well as the less flattering shrimp.

OK hand sign emoji

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The OK hand sign emoji is usually pretty inoffensive and universally obvious.

It means, you're fine with something, right?

Well, not always it seems.

Some people actually use it to convey penetrative sex.

Merman emoji

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The merman is not as innocent as you might think.

Though it's not his fault - it's more about his fork.

Some use it to mean "fork me".

Rhino emoji

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Even poor animal emoji are poisoned by our dirty minds.

The rhino and its large horn has come to symbolise feeling horny.

For those who want to be more obvious though, the smiling devil face is probably a better shout.

Cancer zodiac sign emoji

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Sorry people with the Cancer star sign, your emoji has officially been defiled as well.

The symbol is unmistakably similar to a certain sex position - and is used as such.

Camel emoji

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The camel is another victim of sexuallised emoji.

Its distinctive humps are used to symbolise just that - a hump.

Taco emoji

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Less common but very rude is the taco, used for female private parts. Not classy.

The honeypot and peace hand sign mean the same thing.

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Strawberry emoji

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Read More on The Sun

Who doesn't like a ripe strawberry?

Well, it is that ripeness that is used to say you're ripe... and ready.

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