🧵
Thread
thrɛd
Definitions
1
Object · Crafting
Common
A spool of sewing thread used for stitching fabric, representing crafting, sewing, or textile work.
Used when discussing sewing projects, crafts, or mending activities.
Finally finished my embroidery project! 🧵🪡
Instagram craft post
Anyone have tips for sewing denim? I keep breaking my 🧵
Crafting forum
Represents traditional crafting skills and domestic arts that have seen renewed interest in DIY culture.
2
Digital · Communication
Very Common
Represents a connected series of posts or messages on social media platforms, indicating a continued narrative or conversation.
Used to signal a series of connected posts or to refer to online discussions.
🧵 1/6: My thoughts on the new policy changes...
Twitter/X post
Check out my 🧵 on climate solutions (thread in comments)
LinkedIn post
Emerged with Twitter's thread feature, now common across platforms as a way to bypass character limits.
3
Metaphorical · Connection
Uncommon
Symbolizes connection, continuity, or a narrative thread linking ideas or events together.
Used metaphorically to indicate connecting ideas or maintaining continuity.
There's a common 🧵 running through all these seemingly random events.
Messaging app
Draws on the literary concept of a 'narrative thread' that weaves through a story.
Evolution Timeline
2018
Emoji introduced in Unicode 11.0 primarily representing sewing thread.
Growing interest in traditional crafts and DIY culture.
2019
Began to be adopted as shorthand for social media thread posts.
Twitter's thread feature becoming central to platform communication.
2020
Usage spiked during pandemic lockdowns for both crafting and online discussions.
Increased home crafting activities and social media use during COVID-19.
Cultural Context
The thread emoji's meaning has evolved significantly with social media, becoming shorthand for connected posts that bypass character limits.
Represents both traditional domestic crafts (historically feminized) and modern digital communication practices.
While older users may associate it primarily with sewing, younger users predominantly understand it as referring to social media threads.
Demonstrates semantic evolution where a physical object's digital representation takes on new meaning based on metaphorical extension.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
Used both for crafting contexts and social media threads, with slightly more emphasis on traditional sewing.
United States
Heavily used to indicate Twitter/X threads, with strong association to political and social commentary.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: More likely to use in crafting contexts but increasingly adopting social media thread meaning.
Gen_Z: Primarily used to indicate social media threads, rarely for actual sewing. Common on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram.
Older: Predominantly associated with actual sewing thread and traditional crafts; may be confused by social media usage.
Millennials: Used both for craft projects and social media threads. Popular in DIY communities and professional Twitter discourse.
Common Combinations
🧵🪡
Sewing, needlework, or mending activities.
Represents traditional crafting and DIY culture.
🧵1/5
First post in a five-part social media thread.
Standard format for indicating multi-part posts on character-limited platforms.
🧵📊
Data analysis thread or detailed explanation with statistics.
Used by journalists, researchers, and analysts sharing complex information.
🧵🧠
Thoughtful thread containing insights or intellectual content.
Signals in-depth analysis or educational content.