🤴
Prince
prɪns
Definitions
1
People · Royalty
Common
A male member of a royal family, typically the son of a king or queen, or husband of a princess. Used to represent royalty, nobility, or someone of high status.
Often used literally to refer to actual princes or figuratively to describe someone admired, respected, or treated specially.
Prince Harry and Meghan just announced they're expecting! 🤴👸
Social media news reaction
My son looked so handsome at prom in his tux! My little 🤴
Family photo sharing
Treating myself like the 🤴 I am today. Self-care Sunday!
Personal social media post
In Western contexts, frequently associated with fairy tales, Disney characters, and the concept of 'Prince Charming.'
2
Entertainment · Pop Culture
Common
Reference to the musician Prince or other celebrity figures nicknamed 'Prince.' Also used for characters in fiction, especially fairy tales.
Context usually clarifies whether referencing actual royalty or the musical artist/celebrities.
Nobody could rock purple like 🤴. His music was revolutionary.
Music discussion
Watching Snow White again. The 🤴 is so boring compared to the Queen!
Movie commentary
Prince (the musician) has a strong cultural legacy, particularly in American pop culture of the 1980s-90s.
Evolution Timeline
2016
Introduced in Unicode 9.0 alongside the Princess emoji, completing the royal pair.
Growing demand for gender-paired emoji representations.
2017
Usage increased following Prince Harry's engagement to Meghan Markle.
Global media coverage of British royal family events.
2020
Saw ironic usage in social media self-care contexts during pandemic lockdowns.
Rise of 'treat yourself like royalty' messaging during isolation.
Cultural Context
The concept of princehood varies globally. Western princes inherit thrones, while historical Indian princes (Rajas) and Middle Eastern princes may rule territories directly.
The prince archetype represents privilege, duty, and the balance between freedom and responsibility, themes that resonate across cultures.
Often used metaphorically to describe men who are treated with special care or who behave entitled, showing how royal terminology permeates everyday language.
Younger users often employ this emoji ironically for self-care or to mock privileged behavior, while older users tend to use it more literally.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
More frequently used in reference to actual royal family members, particularly Prince William and Prince Harry.
India
Often used to refer to sons of wealthy families or Bollywood actors, as well as historical Indian princes (Maharajas).
Generational Usage
Gen_X: More likely to use in reference to actual royalty or the musician Prince. Less frequent in self-referential contexts.
Gen_Z: Often used ironically in self-care contexts or to satirize privilege. Popular in TikTok 'royal treatment' memes and aesthetic posts.
Older: Primarily used literally for royal family references or fairy tale contexts. Rarely used in self-reference or ironic contexts.
Millennials: Used both literally for royalty news and metaphorically for treating oneself or others well. Common in dating app bios and relationship posts.
Common Combinations
🤴👸
Royal couple, king and queen, or fairy tale romance.
Often used for actual royalty, couples in formal wear, or to suggest relationship goals.
🤴👑
Prince receiving or wearing a crown, often suggesting promotion or achievement.
Used to celebrate someone's success or elevation in status.
🤴🏰
Prince at his castle or palace, suggesting wealth, power, or being in one's domain.
References fairy tales or actual royal residences.
👶🤴
Baby prince, royal baby, or heir to the throne.
Used for royal births or to call a baby boy special or precious.
🤴🐸
The Frog Prince fairy tale, or someone who seems ordinary but has hidden value.
References the classic fairy tale or transformation narratives.