🖨️
Printer
PRIN-ter
Definitions
1
Technology · Office
Common
A device that produces physical copies of digital documents. Used to represent printing, office work, or document production.
Often used in work contexts to indicate printing tasks or printer-related issues.
Just sent that report to the 🖨️ - copies will be ready for the meeting.
Work chat
Can someone please refill the 🖨️? It's out of paper again.
Office group chat
Symbolizes office work and professional environments, though decreasing in relevance as workplaces become more digital.
2
Technology · Problems
Common
Used to express frustration with printer malfunctions or technical issues.
Often accompanied by negative expressions or used sarcastically.
This 🖨️ is driving me crazy! Third paper jam today!
Work complaint
Printer problems are a universal experience in office culture, making this emoji relatable across different work environments.
Evolution Timeline
2015
Added to Unicode 7.0 as part of office-themed emoji expansion.
Growing need for workplace communication symbols in digital messaging.
2020
Usage declined as remote work reduced physical printing needs during pandemic.
COVID-19 pandemic shifted office work to home environments.
Cultural Context
The printer emoji represents a declining technology as workplaces shift toward paperless operations and digital documentation.
Printer problems are a universal office experience that transcends cultural boundaries, making this emoji universally understood in workplace contexts.
Younger generations use this emoji less frequently as they have less experience with physical printing in increasingly digital workplaces.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
Used similarly to US, but often with more reserved British humor.
United States
Commonly used in office communication and work-related contexts.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Regularly used in practical work communication about printing tasks and printer issues.
Gen_Z: Rarely used except ironically; many have limited experience with printers in educational or work settings.
Older: Used literally to reference printing needs, typically without irony or humor.
Millennials: Commonly used in work contexts, often with humor about office frustrations and technical difficulties.
Common Combinations
🖨️📄
Printing documents or paperwork.
Common in workplace contexts to indicate printing tasks.
🖨️❌
Printer error or malfunction.
Universal symbol of printer problems in office environments.
🖨️😡
Frustration with printer issues.
Reflects common workplace annoyance with technology problems.