The essential emoji guide for over-30s so you avoid offending Gen Z over text

HOW do you offend a younger person? Text them a smiley face.

The generations have very different ways of reading emojis and if you are not careful, an older person’s idea of the meaning of an innocent-seeming symbol could confuse someone younger . . . or even outrage them.

ShutterstockDon’t be left red faced by sending the wrong emoji[/caption]

For instance, a smile emoji – an expression of fun – can appear passive-aggressive to a younger person.

Sarah Wiseman, a human computer interaction specialist at Goldsmiths University in London, said yesterday: “By sending a smile, you are ironically saying something negative. You are mocking someone.”

From skulls to fairies, Katy Docherty has the essential emoji guide over-30s need . . .

A skull doesn’t always mean something bad has happened

Older sender means: Something bad has happened

Younger person reads: I have just died from laughter

The use of a fairy often implies sarcasm

Older sender means: I like fairies

Younger person reads: I’m being scorchingly sarcastic

Most older people would think this means someone is fed up

Older sender means: I’m fed up

Younger person reads: You have stated something searingly obvious

This particular finger emoji suggests the sender is shy or nervous

Older sender means: Look at this

Younger person reads: I’m shy or nervous

Use a clown to show you’re being silly

Older sender means: I’ve just encountered a right idiot

Younger person reads: You’re so silly

A cap is a sign the person is lying

Older sender means: I’m wearing a hat

Younger person reads: I’m lying

The fire often means ‘that is cool’

Older sender means: It’s hot

Younger person reads: That is cool

While you might think this means time’s ticking, young people are talking about something else entirely

Older sender means: Time’s ticking

Younger person reads: You have a good body