🅰️
A Button (Blood Type)
ay buh-tuhn (bluhd tahyp)
Definitions
1
Medical · Health
Common
Indicates blood type A in medical contexts, used in healthcare communications, blood donation drives, and medical identification.
Primarily used in health-related messages or when discussing blood types and donations.
Just donated blood today! Proud 🅰️ positive donor.
Social media post about blood donation
Medical alert: 🅰️ blood type needed urgently at City Hospital.
Emergency blood donation request
Part of the Japanese blood type personality classification system where Type A individuals are considered methodical and organized.
2
Communication · Emphasis
Uncommon
Used decoratively or for emphasis when mentioning option A, grade A, or to highlight excellence (A-grade quality).
Sometimes used in casual messaging to emphasize top quality or first choice.
This restaurant is definitely 🅰️ quality dining!
Restaurant review
The visual emphasis of the red square makes it stand out in text, often used to draw attention.
Evolution Timeline
2010
Introduced primarily as a blood type indicator in medical and emergency contexts.
Growing need for clear medical communication in digital messaging.
2015
Expanded usage as decorative emphasis for quality or grading.
Creative repurposing beyond original medical meaning.
Cultural Context
In East Asian countries, particularly Japan and South Korea, blood type is believed to influence personality traits, similar to Western astrological signs.
The emoji represents the ABO blood group system's Type A, which has medical significance for blood transfusions and organ transplants.
Regional Variations
Japan
In Japan, blood type is commonly believed to determine personality traits, with Type A people seen as perfectionist, responsible and cautious.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Primarily used in medical contexts or health-related communications.
Gen_Z: Occasionally used ironically or for emphasis rather than literal blood type reference. Sometimes used in school grade contexts.
Older: Limited usage, mostly in health-related contexts when specifically discussing blood types.
Millennials: Used mostly for its intended medical meaning or when discussing blood donation and health topics.
Common Combinations
🅰️➕
Blood type A positive
Used in medical contexts to specify blood type A positive.
🅰️➖
Blood type A negative
Used in medical contexts to specify blood type A negative.