A Complete Guide to 👎 (Thumbs Down Emoji)

Download Article

Decode the negativity in a text or social media post

Co-authored by Janice Tieperman Reviewed by Anyah Le Gilmore-Jones

Last Updated: August 12, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

Thumbs Down Emoji Meaning

|

How to Use

|

How to Reply

|

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

|

Similar Emojis

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

Download Article

1
The 👎 (thumbs down emoji) signifies disagreement or disapproval. 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]
X
Research source}
- Person A: “Habanero peppers and chocolate go together like peanut butter and jelly”
  Person B: “👎👎👎”
2
The 👎 (thumbs down emoji) can be a quick way of saying “no.” 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: “👎”

Section 2 of 5:

How to Use the Thumbs Down Emoji

Download Article

1
Share your disagreement or disapproval with 👎 (thumbs down emoji). 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
Say “no” quickly with 👎 (thumbs down emoji). 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: “👎”

Section 3 of 5:

How to Reply to the Thumbs Down Emoji

Download Article

Send a message that makes sense with the conversational flow. 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?

Download Article

Not necessarily, but it depends on the context. 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.”

Section 5 of 5:

Similar Emojis

Download Article

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