🦤
Dodo Bird
DOH-doh
Definitions
1
Animals · Extinct
Uncommon
Represents the extinct dodo bird, a flightless species from Mauritius that disappeared in the late 17th century. Used to symbolize extinction, obsolescence, or something outdated.
Often used in discussions about conservation, extinction, or to describe something that's disappeared or become irrelevant.
Scientists are working to prevent the rhino from going the way of the dodo 🦤
Conservation discussion
That technology is basically 🦤 now that the new version is out
Technology discussion
The phrase 'dead as a dodo' represents complete extinction or obsolescence. The dodo has become a cautionary symbol of human-caused extinction.
2
Metaphorical · Obsolescence
Rare
Used metaphorically to indicate something or someone that is hopelessly behind the times, obsolete, or unable to adapt to changing circumstances.
Can be used humorously or critically to describe outdated ideas, technologies, or behaviors.
Still using that old flip phone? You're such a 🦤 when it comes to tech!
Teasing message
The dodo's inability to fly and subsequent extinction makes it a powerful metaphor for failure to adapt in modern culture.
Evolution Timeline
2019
Emoji approved as part of Unicode 12.0, reflecting growing interest in extinct species and conservation.
Rising awareness of biodiversity loss and the sixth mass extinction
2020
Gained popularity during pandemic discussions about businesses and industries that might not survive.
COVID-19 economic impacts on traditional retail and services
Cultural Context
The dodo became extinct within 100 years of human discovery, making it an iconic symbol of human-caused extinction and environmental impact.
The phrase 'dead as a dodo' entered English in the early 20th century, showing how this extinct bird became shorthand for absolute obsolescence.
The dodo emoji emerged as conservation technology and de-extinction debates gained public attention, reflecting digital culture's engagement with environmental issues.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
More commonly referenced in British English, where 'dodo' appears in various idioms and cultural references.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Less frequently used, mostly in factual contexts about extinction or as a metaphor for obsolescence.
Gen_Z: Used in environmental activism contexts, climate change discussions, and as a metaphor for outdated attitudes.
Older: Rarely used except in formal educational contexts about natural history or extinction.
Millennials: Often used in educational content about conservation and biodiversity, particularly by science communicators.
Common Combinations
🦤⚠️
Warning about extinction risk or endangered species
Used in conservation discussions and environmental activism
🦤💭
Thinking about extinct species or lost opportunities
Used in educational contexts about biodiversity loss
🦤🔄
De-extinction or revival of something thought obsolete
References scientific discussions about reviving extinct species