🦣
Mammoth
MAM-əth
Definitions
1
Animals · Prehistoric
Uncommon
A prehistoric elephant-like mammal with long curved tusks and a woolly coat, now extinct. Used to reference ancient creatures, paleontology, or something very old.
Often used in discussions about extinction, prehistoric life, museums, or to metaphorically describe something as ancient or outdated.
Just visited the Natural History Museum and saw a 🦣 skeleton! Absolutely massive!
Social media post
This old computer is a technological 🦣 - time to upgrade!
Text message
Added to emoji sets in 2020, the mammoth represents scientific interest in extinct species and climate change discussions.
2
Metaphorical · Size
Rare
Used metaphorically to describe something as extremely large, outdated, or rarely seen. Can indicate something impressive but obsolete.
Commonly paired with technological references or organizational structures to suggest they are oversized or outdated.
Their bureaucracy is a 🦣 that can't adapt to modern challenges.
Business discussion
Reflects cultural fascination with prehistoric life and tendency to use ancient creatures as metaphors for obsolescence.
Evolution Timeline
2020
Added to Unicode 13.0, reflecting growing interest in extinct species and paleontology in popular culture.
Increased climate change discussions and interest in past extinction events.
2021
Gained popularity in discussions about de-extinction science and genetic research.
News about scientific efforts to potentially resurrect woolly mammoths using DNA technology.
Cultural Context
Mammoths have captured human imagination since prehistoric cave paintings. Their extinction around 4,000 years ago makes them symbols of climate change and human impact.
The mammoth emoji emerged during advances in de-extinction technology, reflecting scientific debates about reviving extinct species through genetic engineering.
Often used metaphorically to describe outdated institutions or technologies as 'mammoths' - large, impressive, but unable to adapt to changing environments.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
Often referenced in relation to the Natural History Museum in London and British archaeological discoveries.
United States
Often associated with La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles and other American natural history museums.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Primarily used in educational contexts with children or to metaphorically describe outdated business practices.
Gen_Z: Used in educational contexts, climate activism, and as visual puns in memes about outdated ideas or 'prehistoric' technology.
Older: Limited usage, mostly in educational contexts with grandchildren or in discussions about museum visits.
Millennials: Often used in references to natural history museums, climate change discussions, and nostalgic references to 'Ice Age' films.
Common Combinations
🦣❄️
Ice Age reference or woolly mammoth in its natural habitat.
Reflects scientific understanding of mammoth environments and popular culture depictions.
🦣🧬
De-extinction science or mammoth DNA research.
References scientific efforts to study or potentially revive extinct species.
🦣🏛️
Museum exhibit featuring mammoth fossils or displays.
Common reference to natural history museums and educational institutions.