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Megaphone
MEG-uh-fohn
Definitions
1
Communication Β· Announcement
Common
A device that amplifies voice for public announcements. Used to represent making an announcement, broadcasting information, or amplifying a message to reach a wider audience.
Commonly used to highlight important announcements or to indicate speaking loudly to a group.
ATTENTION EVERYONE! π£ The office will be closed tomorrow for maintenance.
Work announcement in group chat
π£ New product launch next week! Stay tuned for details!
Marketing announcement on social media
Associated with authority figures, event organizers, and activists making public declarations.
2
Social Β· Activism
Common
Symbolizes activism, advocacy, and speaking up for causes. Used to represent protest announcements, rallying support, or amplifying marginalized voices.
Often used when sharing social justice content or calling attention to important causes.
π£ Don't forget to register to vote! Your voice matters!
Social media activism post
Has become associated with digital activism and social movements, particularly on platforms like Twitter.
Evolution Timeline
2015
Adoption into Unicode 6.0, initially used primarily for literal announcements.
Growing need for digital communication of announcements.
2017
Began to be associated with social activism and online advocacy movements.
Rise of social media activism and hashtag movements.
2020
Usage spiked during global protests and pandemic announcements.
Increased need for amplifying important public health and social justice messages.
Cultural Context
The megaphone emoji has become a symbol of giving voice to marginalized communities, representing the amplification of underrepresented perspectives.
Despite representing older technology, the megaphone remains relevant as a digital symbol for broadcasting messages in an increasingly noisy information landscape.
Megaphones have historical significance in protest movements, from civil rights to labor unions, making this emoji carry political undertones in many contexts.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
More commonly called a 'loudspeaker' or 'tannoy' in British English contexts.
United States
Often called a 'bullhorn' in American English, frequently used in political and sports contexts.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Primarily used for literal announcements and important messages. Common in family group chats and workplace communication.
Gen_Z: Frequently used for social activism, awareness campaigns, and calling out problematic behavior. Common on TikTok and Twitter.
Older: Limited usage, mostly for important family announcements or community notices when digital communication is necessary.
Millennials: Used for work announcements, social cause promotion, and event marketing. Popular in workplace messaging and Instagram.
Common Combinations
π£π’
Extra loud announcement or extremely important message.
Used for emergency alerts or when wanting maximum attention.
π£β
Urgent announcement requiring immediate attention.
Common in workplace communications and emergency situations.
π£π
Celebratory announcement or exciting news.
Used for positive announcements like promotions, births, or achievements.
π£β
Activist message or call to solidarity.
Associated with social justice movements and political activism.