A Complete Guide to 👎 (Thumbs Down Emoji)

PDF download Download Article
Decode the negativity in a text or social media post
PDF download Download Article

The 👎 (thumbs down emoji) symbol has become a regular part of expressing disapproval in a digital space, whether you spot it in a text or social media post. But what does this emoji really mean, and how can you incorporate it into your own online communication? Read on to learn everything there is to know about the delightfully negative 👎 (thumbs down emoji).

What does the thumbs down emoji mean?

The 👎 (thumbs down emoji) expresses disagreement and disapproval of something, and can be a quick way to say “no.”

Section 1 of 5:

Thumbs Down Emoji Meaning

PDF download Download Article
  1. When someone sends a 👎 (thumbs down emoji) over text or on social media, they’re expressing direct disagreement or disapproval with something that was sent or posted. [1]
    • Person A: “Habanero peppers and chocolate go together like peanut butter and jelly”
      Person B: “👎👎👎”
  2. If someone texts a question to another person, the recipient can use 👎 (thumbs down emoji) as a quick way to say no.
    • Person A: “Are you usually free on Fridays?”
      Person B: “👎”
    3. Advertisement
Section 2 of 5:

How to Use the Thumbs Down Emoji

PDF download Download Article
  1. See an opinion or post that just doesn’t sit right with you? Show how you’re feeling with a 👎 (thumbs down emoji), or drop a few of this emoji if you’re feeling especially passionate.
    • “👎👎👎 No way you thought it was a good idea to post this”
    • Celebrity: “I just wanted to apologize to all my fans who I’ve let down.”
      You: “Too little, too late 👎👎”
  2. Maybe a friend is trying to make plans with you, or a conversation is going down in the group chat that requires a quick opinion. The 👎 (thumbs down emoji) is a fast and easy way to share your thoughts without having to type anything out.
    • Friend: “So, is 11:00 a good time for everyone?”
      You: “👎”
    3. Advertisement
Section 3 of 5:

How to Reply to the Thumbs Down Emoji

PDF download Download Article
  1. The 👎 (thumbs down emoji) can be used in a lot of different contexts, so there isn’t a cut-and-dry way to reply every time this emoji is used. Follow your gut—a simple reply often works well!
    • Person A: “He doesn’t deserve all the heat he’s getting online”
      Person B: “Hard disagree 👎 He deserves to be held accountable for his actions!” Person A: “OK, you have a point there…”
Section 4 of 5:

Does a 👎 (Thumbs Down Emoji) mean that the sender is angry or upset?

PDF download Download Article
  1. While a 👎 (thumbs down emoji) can be a sign of anger and upset feelings in some contexts, this isn’t always the case. Chances are, a person isn’t that upset if they’re dropping a single 👎 (thumbs down emoji), but they might be bothered if that emoji is accompanied by a sentence or two of impassioned text.
    • Probably not upset: “👎”
    • Probably upset: “👎👎👎 I can’t believe you’d post something like this! I’m so tired of seeing this picture being shared everywhere.”
    2. Advertisement
Section 5 of 5:

Similar Emojis

PDF download Download Article
  1. Think of the 👍 (thumbs up emoji) as the polar opposite 👎 (thumbs down emoji)—it represents approval, agreement, and “yes.”
  2. The 👌 (OK hand emoji) is shorthand for “yes,” and can also mean “I’m good” or “that’s correct.” [2]
  3. The 🤞 (crossed fingers emoji) symbolizes the act of wishing someone good luck or hoping for a good result. [3]
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      What Does the Thumbs Up 👍 Emoji Mean & Why Is It So Controversial?
      How to
      Respond to a Thumbs Up Emoji
      What Does the 🤨 Face with Raised Eyebrow Emoji Mean?
      What Does the 🖕 Middle Finger Emoji Mean?
      What Does the 🙃 Upside Down Emoji Mean?
      What Does the OK Hand Emoji 👌 Mean? Plus, How To Use It
      What Does the ✋ Hand Emoji Mean?
      What Does the 😕 Confused Face Emoji Mean?
      What Does the 🤔 (Thinking) Emoji Mean?
      What Does the 😐 Neutral Face Emoji Mean?
      What Does the 👏 Clapping Emoji Mean?
      45+ Funny Emoji Combinations That Are Trending on TikTok
      What Does the 👇 (Finger Pointing Down) Emoji Mean?
      What Does the 🙌 Hands Up Emoji Mean?
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.eztexting.com/resources/grow-your-business/what-do-these-emojis-mean
      2. ↑ https://emojipedia.org/ok-hand
      3. ↑ https://emojipedia.org/crossed-fingers

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 3,963 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement