😣

Persevering Face

pur-SEE-vur-ing feys
Unicode: 1F623
Added: 0.6
Category: Smileys & Emotion
#204
Global Ranking
accessible
Accessibility
very common
Usage Level

Definitions

1
Emotional Β· Struggle Very Common
Expresses intense concentration, strain, or discomfort while enduring a difficult situation. Shows determination to persevere despite challenges or pain.
Often used when pushing through physical or mental strain, or when experiencing frustration but continuing to try.
Trying to finish this workout 😣 but I'm not giving up!
Fitness post on Instagram
This math homework is killing me 😣 Been at it for hours.
Text message to friend
Headache won't go away 😣 Still need to finish this report.
WhatsApp message
Represents the valued cultural concept of 'gaman' (endurance) in Japanese culture, which influenced its design and original meaning.
2
Emotional Β· Discomfort Common
Indicates physical discomfort, pain, or feeling unwell while trying to cope with the situation. Shows the person is suffering but enduring.
Commonly used when sick, in pain, or experiencing physical distress that one must tolerate.
Stomach bug hit me hard 😣 Still trying to work from home.
Slack message to coworker
Dental work today 😣 My mouth is so sore.
Twitter/X post
Unlike other distress emojis, this specifically conveys enduring rather than giving up, reflecting cultural values of resilience.

Evolution Timeline

2010
Introduced in Unicode 6.0 as part of the original emoji set from Japanese carriers.
Japanese concept of 'gaman' (enduring the seemingly unbearable with patience)
2015
Usage shifted from primarily physical discomfort to include mental strain and academic stress.
Rising awareness of mental health challenges in digital communication
2018
Became popular in fitness communities to express workout struggles and physical exertion.
Growth of fitness influencers sharing workout challenges on social media
2021
Saw increased usage during pandemic lockdowns to express work-from-home struggles.
Global shift to remote work and associated challenges during COVID-19

Cultural Context

The scrunched eyes and tense expression visually communicate 'perseverance' across language barriers, making it universally understood despite cultural differences.
Reflects societal values of endurance and persistence across cultures, though the specific contexts (work, study, fitness) vary by region and demographic.
Unlike other distress emojis, this one specifically communicates resilience rather than defeat, showing the psychological state of determination despite discomfort.
Gen Z and Millennials use this emoji more frequently than older generations, often to communicate academic pressure and workplace stress.
Originated from Japanese emoji sets where the concept of 'gaman' (enduring the unbearable with patience and dignity) influenced its design and original usage.

Regional Variations

United Kingdom Often used with self-deprecating humor to acknowledge struggles while maintaining composure.
India Commonly used to express academic or professional pressure, especially during exam periods.
United States Often used to express frustration with everyday inconveniences while showing determination to push through.

Generational Usage

Gen_X: Less frequent usage, primarily for physical discomfort or work stress. More common in text messages than social media posts.
Gen_Z: Frequently used for academic pressure, especially during exams or assignments. Common on TikTok and Instagram to show perseverance through challenges.
Older: Limited usage, mostly in family group chats when discussing health challenges or difficult tasks. Often misinterpreted as general sadness.
Millennials: Often used for work struggles, parenting challenges, and fitness efforts. Popular on WhatsApp and workplace messaging platforms.

Common Combinations

😣πŸ’ͺ
Struggling but staying strong or pushing through difficulty with determination.
Popular in fitness communities to show perseverance through challenging workouts.
πŸ˜£πŸ“š
Struggling with studying or academic work but persisting.
Widely used by students during exam periods or when facing difficult assignments.
πŸ˜£πŸ€’
Feeling sick or in pain but trying to endure it.
Used when someone is ill but attempting to continue with daily responsibilities.
πŸ˜£β˜•
Needing caffeine to persevere through exhaustion or a difficult task.
Common in workplace contexts to express pushing through fatigue with coffee.
πŸ˜£βœ…
Successfully endured a difficult challenge or completed a hard task despite struggles.
Used to show relief and accomplishment after persisting through difficulty.

Related Emojis

πŸ˜– More intense version of perseverance, showing greater distress while enduring. 😫 Shows exhaustion or being at the limit of endurance, whereas 😣 shows active perseverance. 😀 Shows determination with frustration, while 😣 shows determination with discomfort. πŸ’ͺ Often paired with 😣 to show strength through adversity. πŸ₯΄ Alternative for expressing discomfort, but with less emphasis on perseverance.