🀝

Handshake

HAND-shayk
Unicode: 1F91D
Added: 3.0
Category: People & Body
#220
Global Ranking
accessible
Accessibility
very common
Usage Level

Definitions

1
Gestures Β· Agreement Very Common
Represents a formal or informal handshake between two people, typically signifying an agreement, deal, partnership, or greeting.
Used in business contexts to indicate deals closing, in casual settings to show friendship, or to symbolize peace and unity.
Just finalized the contract with our new clients 🀝 Looking forward to working together!
Professional email or LinkedIn post
After years of conflict, the two nations have finally reached a peace agreement 🀝
News commentary on social media
Great meeting you at the conference yesterday 🀝 Let's keep in touch!
Professional networking message
In Western business culture, handshakes symbolize professionalism and trust. The firmness of a handshake traditionally conveys confidence.
2
Relationships Β· Solidarity Common
Symbolizes solidarity, mutual respect, or alliance between people, groups, or communities.
Often used to show support for social causes, express unity in diversity, or demonstrate collaboration across differences.
Different faiths coming together to support the community 🀝 This is what humanity is about.
Social media post about interfaith initiatives
Our team stands with yours during this difficult time 🀝
Message of support during crisis
The handshake has evolved from a business gesture to a broader symbol of human connection and mutual respect in digital communication.

Evolution Timeline

2015
Introduction of the handshake emoji as part of Unicode 8.0, initially with limited cross-platform support.
Growing need for business and agreement symbols in digital communication
2018
Expanded usage beyond business contexts to represent solidarity and social movements.
Rise of social activism on digital platforms and need for unity symbols
2020
Usage declined during COVID-19 pandemic as physical handshakes became discouraged.
Global health concerns about physical contact during pandemic
2021
Resurgence as symbol of reconnection and return to normalcy post-pandemic restrictions.
Desire to symbolize reconnection and rebuilding of relationships

Cultural Context

The handshake originated as a gesture to show one was unarmed and peaceful. This ancient symbol of trust has translated seamlessly into digital communication.
In Western business culture, a firm handshake traditionally conveys confidence and trustworthiness, while in some Asian cultures, a gentler grip shows respect.
The handshake emoji initially lacked skin tone modifiers, but platform updates have made it more customizable for diverse representation.
The handshake emoji often substitutes for phrases like 'deal,' 'agreement,' or 'partnership' in digital shorthand, functioning as both verb and noun.
While older generations use the handshake emoji primarily in business contexts, younger users have expanded its meaning to include solidarity for social causes.

Regional Variations

United Kingdom Used similarly to the US, but with more formal connotations in professional settings.
India Widely used to signify both business deals and personal agreements, often with more emotional expressions.
United States Frequently used in business contexts and to signify deals closing. Also common in sports to indicate good sportsmanship.

Generational Usage

Gen_X: Primarily used in formal business communications and to indicate professional agreements. Less commonly used in casual contexts.
Gen_Z: Used to indicate agreements between friends, collaborations, and solidarity with social causes. Often paired with slang like 'bet' or 'facts.'
Older: Limited but growing usage, mainly in formal digital communications like emails. Often used literally to represent in-person meetings.
Millennials: Frequently used in professional networking, job hunting, and business deals. Common in LinkedIn posts and work chat platforms.

Common Combinations

🀝🏻
Agreement or partnership with light skin tone representation.
Used to personalize the handshake with skin tone for more inclusive representation.
πŸ€πŸ’Ό
Business deal or professional agreement.
Emphasizes the formal, professional nature of the agreement.
🀝πŸ”₯
Exciting or impressive partnership/deal.
Popular in startup and entrepreneurial contexts to indicate groundbreaking collaborations.
🀝❀️
Partnership based on mutual care or charitable collaboration.
Often used for nonprofit partnerships, community initiatives, or supportive relationships.
🀝✊
Solidarity and alliance in activism or social causes.
Represents standing together for justice, equality, or social change.

Related Emojis

πŸ«±πŸ»β€πŸ«²πŸΎ Handshake with different skin tones, representing diversity and inclusion 🀲 Another hand gesture representing openness and offering ✊ Often used alongside handshake to represent solidarity πŸ’Ό Business context where handshakes often occur πŸ”„ Represents exchange or agreement, conceptually similar