💽
Computer Disk
kuhm-PYOO-ter disk
Definitions
1
Technology · Storage
uncommon
A symbol representing a computer minidisc or other digital storage media, used to indicate data storage, saving information, or retro computing technology.
Often used in contexts related to technology, computing, or nostalgic references to older storage media.
Just found a box of old 💽 in my parents' attic. Talk about a blast from the past!
Social media post
Represents technology that's now largely obsolete, making it both a practical symbol and a nostalgic reference to 1990s computing.
2
Technology · Nostalgia
rare
Used to evoke retro computing aesthetics or vaporwave culture, representing nostalgic feelings toward 1980s-90s technology and digital media.
Appears in contexts related to retro computing, vaporwave aesthetics, or nostalgic tech references.
My new music project has major 💽 aesthetic vibes. #vaporwave #retrocomputing
Instagram caption
Has gained secondary meaning in internet subcultures celebrating vintage technology aesthetics.
Evolution Timeline
2010
Emoji added to Unicode 6.0, representing then-declining minidisc storage technology.
Inclusion of technology symbols in early emoji sets
2015
Began appearing in vaporwave and retro computing aesthetic contexts as nostalgic symbol.
Rise of internet aesthetics celebrating retro technology
Cultural Context
Represents a minidisc, a digital storage medium introduced in the early 1990s that became obsolete with the rise of MP3 players and flash storage.
Recognized primarily by those who used computers in the 1990s, with declining recognition among younger users born after 2000.
Has been adopted in vaporwave and retro computing aesthetics as a symbol of 1990s digital nostalgia and technological optimism.
Regional Variations
Japan
Has stronger recognition in Japan where minidiscs remained popular longer than in Western markets.
United States
Often called a 'minidisc' or 'MD' in the US, where these media had moderate popularity in the 1990s.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Familiar technology used during prime working/young adult years; associated with practical data storage.
Gen_Z: Rarely recognized except in retro aesthetic contexts or by those interested in vintage technology.
Older: May be less familiar unless they worked in technology sectors during the 1990s.
Millennials: Recognized as nostalgic technology from childhood or teen years, associated with early digital music.
Common Combinations
💽🎵
Music stored on digital media or retro music formats.
References digital music storage before streaming services became dominant.
💽💾
Retro or vintage digital storage media.
Used when discussing obsolete technology or vintage computing.