In the fast-paced world of the internet, trends are born and fade away at breakneck speed. Emojis, the universal online language, are no exception. With younger internet users often at the helm of these changes, new emojis continue to spring up, replacing their less trendy counterparts. This dynamic has ushered in the rise of an intriguing new emoji—the Moai or Moyai emoji 🗿. But what exactly does it represent?
What is the Moai Emoji (🗿)?
The Moai emoji, which mimics the appearance of the iconic Easter Island statues, is an interesting symbol. According to Dictionary.com, it is often used to signify strength or determination and frequently appears in posts related to Japanese pop culture.
The actual Moai are colossal stone-carved heads that grace the Easter Island landscape, although some people think the emoji takes after the Moyai statue—a renowned landmark—found at Shibuya Station in Tokyo, Japan.
How is the Moai Emoji Used on TikTok?
As this unique emoji steadily gains popularity, it’s meaning continues to evolve, with various internet users attributing their own interpretations to it. The versatility of the Moai emoji is best witnessed on the popular social media platform TikTok.
Previously associated with determination or resilience, the emoji is now being used in a slightly different context. It has become a popular response to people who express views that seem foolish or unreasonable. The stone-faced emoji is also useful for conveying personal opinions on a variety of topics.
An Emoji with a Serious Stone Face
The Moai emoji has come to embody a stern or unimpressed facial expression, replacing the previous connotations of strength or resolve. When words fail, or you wish to convey your message more succinctly, replying with the Moai emoji can speak volumes. As more internet users embrace this emoji, we can expect its meaning and usage to continue to evolve.
How to Use the Moai Emoji?
The Moai emoji is easily accessible on most emoji keyboards. If you can’t locate it right away, you can use the keyboard command “:moai:” to make it appear. Its usage has now piqued interest in the actual statues it represents, which bear a mystery worth delving into.
The History Behind the Moai Statues
The real Moai statues have existed on Easter Island for centuries, carved from enormous rocks between 1250 and 1500 by the Rapa Nui people. Interestingly, many of these statues face the island’s villages, leading to the belief that they depict ancestors who continue to watch over the current inhabitants. The exact symbolism behind these impressive sculptures remains unknown, just as the methods used to carve and transport the over 900 statues dotting the island remain a mystery.
Emojis: A Blend of History and Online Discourse
The Moai statues are undoubtedly an architectural wonder, but their representation through the Moai emoji has given them a new life in the realm of online communication. Their solemn yet amusing expressions are now being used by netizens worldwide. While it’s unlikely the Rapa Nui people anticipated their monumental creations would one day inspire an emoji, it’s certainly a delightful side effect of these historic structures’ enduring legacy.
