🤵
Person in Tuxedo
PUR-suhn in TUHK-see-doh
Definitions
1
People · Formal Attire
Common
A person wearing a formal tuxedo or suit, typically for special occasions such as weddings, galas, or formal ceremonies requiring elegant attire.
Used to indicate formal events, celebrations, or professional contexts where formal attire is expected.
Can't wait to see you in your 🤵 tomorrow! The wedding's going to be amazing!
Text message about upcoming wedding
Just rented my 🤵 for prom next weekend!
Social media post
Tonight's charity gala calls for 🤵 attire - no casual clothes allowed.
Event announcement
Represents formality and elegance across cultures, though specific formal attire traditions vary globally.
2
People · Professions
Uncommon
Represents service professionals who wear formal attire as part of their job, such as waiters, butlers, or hospitality staff at upscale establishments.
Used less frequently than the celebratory context, primarily to indicate high-end service roles.
The 🤵 at that restaurant was so attentive - best service I've had in years!
Restaurant review
Looking for experienced 🤵 staff for our hotel's VIP lounge.
Job posting
The association with service roles varies by region, with stronger connections in countries with formal service traditions.
Evolution Timeline
2016
First introduced as a male-specific emoji (Man in Tuxedo) in Unicode 9.0.
Growing demand for formal attire representation in emoji set.
2019
Redesigned as gender-neutral 'Person in Tuxedo' with gender variants added.
Push for more inclusive and gender-neutral emoji options.
2020
Usage spiked in ironic contexts during pandemic as formal events were cancelled.
COVID-19 lockdowns creating nostalgia for formal gatherings.
Cultural Context
The tuxedo originated in 1880s America, named after Tuxedo Park, NY. The emoji reflects this Western formal wear tradition that has spread globally.
Represents class distinctions and formal social structures, with the tuxedo historically signifying wealth, access to elite spaces, and adherence to social codes.
While the Western tuxedo is recognized globally, formal attire varies significantly across cultures, making this emoji somewhat Western-centric.
Younger generations increasingly use this emoji ironically to highlight contrasts between casual situations and formal appearances.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
Associated with black tie events, formal dinners, and traditional ceremonies with specific dress codes.
United States
Primarily associated with wedding grooms, prom attendees, and formal events like galas or award ceremonies.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Used practically to indicate dress codes for events or in professional contexts to signal formality.
Gen_Z: Often used ironically or in contrast with casual situations. Popular in prom contexts and for humorous effect on TikTok and Instagram.
Older: Less frequently used, but when employed, typically for traditional formal occasions like weddings or anniversary celebrations.
Millennials: Commonly used for wedding content, formal work events, and dating app profiles to signal sophistication.
Common Combinations
🤵👰
Wedding couple, marriage, or formal ceremony with bride and groom.
Universal symbol for weddings across Western cultures, though specific wedding attire varies globally.
🤵🎉
Celebration or party requiring formal attire.
Used for graduations, galas, award ceremonies, and other special occasions.
🤵🍸
Formal cocktail event, gala, or sophisticated party.
Often used for charity events, award ceremonies, or high-end social gatherings.
🤵🤵
Same-sex wedding or partnership with two formally dressed individuals.
Represents LGBTQ+ relationships in formal celebrations, particularly weddings.
🤵💼
Business formal attire or high-stakes professional situation.
Used for job interviews, important presentations, or executive-level business contexts.