4️⃣
Keycap Digit Four
fɔːr kiːkæp
Definitions
1
Numbers · Sequence
Common
Represents the number 4 in digital communication, often used to indicate quantity, order, or ranking in a sequence.
Used in lists, rankings, and to indicate a specific number of items or position.
We need 4️⃣ more volunteers for Saturday's event.
Group chat
While primarily functional, it's commonly used in digital shorthand and sports references.
2
Sports · Reference
Uncommon
Used to reference sports figures who wear jersey number 4 or to indicate 4th quarter/period in sports discussions.
Popular in sports fan communities and game discussions.
Down by 2 points heading into the 4️⃣th quarter!
Sports chat
The significance varies by sport and region, with different athletes associated with the number.
Cultural Context
In East Asian cultures, 4 is considered unlucky as its pronunciation resembles the word for 'death' in several languages, making this emoji potentially sensitive.
Part of the number keycap series (0-9) that emerged with early mobile keyboards, designed to mimic physical keypads.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
Often associated with football (soccer) midfielders wearing number 4.
United States
Often used in sports contexts to reference NFL quarterbacks or NBA players wearing number 4.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Primarily functional use in lists and counting, with less emoji styling than younger generations.
Gen_Z: Used in casual counting, sports references, and sometimes in abbreviated text speak.
Older: Limited usage, mainly for practical numbering in messages or indicating quantity.
Millennials: Commonly used for list-making, counting, and in work communication for numbering items.
Common Combinations
4️⃣🎂
Fourth birthday or anniversary celebration.
Used in birthday messages or event planning.
4️⃣💪
Four repetitions in exercise or workout routines.
Used in fitness communities to indicate sets/reps.