🗡️
Dagger
DAG-ər
Definitions
1
Objects · Weapons
Common
A short blade weapon with a pointed end and sharp edges, typically used to represent danger, violence, or betrayal in digital communication.
Often used in gaming contexts, discussions about fictional combat, or to symbolize treachery.
Can't wait for tonight's D&D session! My rogue just got a new enchanted 🗡️
Gaming chat
That backstabbing colleague took credit for my work again 🗡️
Personal messaging
Associated with historical assassination, Shakespearean drama ('Et tu, Brute?'), and modern fantasy literature and gaming.
2
Entertainment · Gaming
Common
A symbol representing a dagger weapon in gaming contexts, often indicating stealth attacks, assassin classes, or melee combat options.
Frequently used in gaming discussions, strategy guides, and role-playing scenarios.
Pro tip: The 🗡️ does less damage than the 🗡️+🔥 combo, but has faster attack speed
Gaming forum
Central to gaming culture, particularly in RPGs, MMOs, and fantasy games where weapon choice is significant.
Evolution Timeline
2015
Introduction in Unicode 8.0, initially used primarily in gaming contexts.
Rising popularity of mobile fantasy games and RPGs.
2018
Expanded to metaphorical usage representing betrayal in workplace and social contexts.
Broader adoption of emoji as metaphorical devices in everyday communication.
Cultural Context
The dagger emoji evokes Julius Caesar's assassination and the phrase 'Et tu, Brute?', symbolizing ultimate betrayal in Western culture.
Strongly associated with Shakespearean tragedy, particularly Macbeth's 'Is this a dagger which I see before me?' soliloquy about guilt and murderous intent.
In digital typography, the dagger symbol (†) predates emoji and is used for footnotes, which influences some users' interpretation of the emoji.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
More likely to be associated with theatrical references (Shakespeare) and historical contexts than in other regions.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Less frequently used, primarily in literary references or formal content warnings.
Gen_Z: Primarily used in gaming contexts, fantasy roleplay, and as a metaphor for being 'stabbed in the back' by friends.
Older: Rarely used, may be confused with the typographical dagger symbol (†) used for footnotes.
Millennials: Used in gaming references, literary discussions, and occasionally as workplace betrayal shorthand.
Common Combinations
🗡️🛡️
Combat, battle readiness, or medieval/fantasy warfare.
Common in gaming discussions, particularly RPGs and strategy games.
🗡️💔
Betrayal, heartbreak caused by someone's treachery.
Used to express feeling backstabbed in relationships or friendships.
🗡️🩸
Violence, murder, or graphic content warning.
Used in fiction discussions or as content warnings for violent material.