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Person Rowing Boat
PUR-suhn ROH-ing boht
Definitions
1
Sports Β· Water Activity
Common
Represents a person rowing a boat, typically with oars. Used to convey rowing as a sport, recreational boating activity, or water transportation.
Often used when discussing water sports, outdoor activities, or to indicate plans for boating or kayaking.
Training for the regatta this weekend! π£ My arms are already sore!
Instagram post about rowing practice
Perfect weather for kayaking today π£ Anyone want to join?
WhatsApp group message
Associated with both competitive rowing (Olympic sport) and leisure activities on water. Symbolizes outdoor adventure and physical exertion.
2
Travel Β· Journey
Less Common
Metaphorically represents personal journey, effort, or navigating through challenges. Suggests moving forward through one's own effort.
Used figuratively to convey persistence, self-reliance, or making progress through difficult situations.
Just keep rowing through the storm π£ You'll reach calmer waters eventually.
Motivational social media post
The rowing metaphor has deep cultural roots in Western societies, symbolizing determination and perseverance.
Evolution Timeline
2010
Introduced in Unicode 6.0 as a gender-neutral rowing figure, initially with limited platform support.
Growing inclusion of sports and activity emojis in digital communication
2016
Usage spike during Rio Olympics, particularly during rowing events, establishing its recognition as a sports symbol.
Global sporting event increasing visibility of rowing as competitive sport
2017
Gender variants introduced (π£ββοΈ man rowing boat, π£ββοΈ woman rowing boat), allowing for more specific representation.
Push for gender inclusivity in emoji representation across activities
Cultural Context
Rowing has historically been associated with elite universities and social class in Western societies, particularly in the UK and US Ivy League institutions.
Competitive rowing dates back to ancient Egyptian times, but the modern sport emerged in England in the 18th century, giving this emoji deeper cultural resonance in countries with British influence.
The emoji is sometimes used metaphorically in tech and startup culture to represent 'putting in the work' or personal effort, contrasted with sailing (having advantages).
In countries with strong rowing traditions like UK, Australia, and New Zealand, this emoji carries stronger sporting associations than in regions where rowing is less established.
Regional Variations
Australia
Frequently used for recreational kayaking and coastal rowing activities, reflecting Australia's beach and water culture.
United Kingdom
More commonly associated with traditional rowing and university rowing competitions, particularly the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Used more literally to indicate actual rowing or boating activities, especially in family vacation contexts.
Gen_Z: Used casually for outdoor activities and water sports. Often appears in travel content and adventure TikToks.
Older: Limited usage, primarily in literal contexts when discussing actual rowing or boating events.
Millennials: Commonly used when sharing fitness activities, outdoor adventures, and motivational content about personal journeys.
Common Combinations
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Winning or excelling at rowing competitions
Used during Olympic or collegiate rowing events to celebrate victories
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Rowing in rough waters or challenging conditions
Can be literal about water conditions or metaphorical about overcoming obstacles
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Scenic rowing or kayaking on rivers or lakes
Used to share outdoor experiences in natural settings
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Training for rowing or the physical strength required
Emphasizes the athletic aspect of rowing as a demanding sport