๐
Ox
oks
Definitions
1
Animals ยท Farm
Common
A domesticated male bovine animal, typically used as a draft animal in farming. Often represents strength, hard work, and determination.
Used in agricultural contexts, discussions about farm animals, or to symbolize strength and persistence.
The farmer uses his ๐ to plow the fields every spring.
Agricultural discussion
Working like an ๐ today to finish this project before deadline!
Work chat
In many Asian cultures, particularly associated with the Chinese zodiac as a symbol of diligence and reliability.
2
Zodiac ยท Astrology
Common
Represents the Ox in the Chinese zodiac or may be used to symbolize Taurus (the bull) in Western astrology.
Often used during Lunar New Year celebrations or in astrological discussions.
Happy Year of the ๐! Wishing you prosperity and good fortune!
Lunar New Year greeting
As a ๐, I'm naturally hardworking and patient.
Zodiac discussion
The Year of the Ox occurs every 12 years in the Chinese zodiac cycle, representing stability, reliability, and determination.
Evolution Timeline
2009
Introduced in Unicode 6.0 as part of the original set of animal emojis.
Growing demand for animal representation in digital communication.
2021
Saw significant usage increase during the Year of the Ox in the Chinese zodiac.
Lunar New Year celebrations and zodiac-related content.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, the ox symbolizes hard work, positivity, and honesty. People born in the Year of the Ox are believed to be reliable, strong, and determined.
Throughout history, oxen have been crucial draft animals in agriculture worldwide, pulling plows and carts before mechanization, making them symbols of agricultural development.
The expression 'strong as an ox' is common across many languages, reflecting the universal recognition of the ox's physical power and endurance.
Regional Variations
China
Primarily associated with the Chinese zodiac and cultural symbolism rather than farming.
United States
Often used interchangeably with the bull emoji, frequently in contexts of strength or stubbornness.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Primarily used literally to represent the animal or in idioms about strength and hard work.
Gen_Z: Occasionally used in zodiac memes or to represent stubbornness. Less frequently used than other animal emojis.
Older: Less frequently used, but when employed, typically refers to farm animals or traditional agricultural contexts.
Millennials: Used in both zodiac contexts and as metaphors for hard work or strength, especially in workplace communications.
Common Combinations
๐๐ช
Strong as an ox; represents exceptional strength or endurance.
Used to compliment someone's physical strength or mental fortitude.
๐๐ฑ
Farm life, agricultural work, or rural living.
Often used in discussions about farming, country lifestyle, or sustainable agriculture.
๐๐งง
Year of the Ox celebrations during Lunar New Year.
Used primarily by East Asian communities during New Year festivities.