🥡
Takeout Box
TAYK-out boks
Definitions
1
Food · Container
Common
A folded paper or cardboard container typically used for Chinese or Asian takeout food, characterized by its distinctive shape with a wire handle.
Used to indicate takeout food, especially Asian cuisine, or the act of ordering food for delivery/pickup.
Working late tonight, might grab some 🥡 on the way home.
Personal messaging
Movie night with the family! Pizza or 🥡?
Group chat
Strongly associated with Chinese-American food culture, this container design is primarily found in North America.
2
Food · Activity
Common
Represents the concept of ordering food for delivery or takeout rather than dining in a restaurant.
Often used when discussing meal plans or food delivery services.
Too tired to cook tonight. 🥡 it is!
Social media
Reflects the growing preference for convenience food and delivery culture, accelerated by food delivery apps and the pandemic.
Evolution Timeline
1894
The folded paper box design was invented in the US as an adaptation of wooden oyster pails.
Growth of Chinese restaurants in America needing affordable takeout solutions
2017
The takeout box emoji was approved as part of Unicode 10.0.
Growing global food delivery culture and digital communication about food
2020
Usage spiked during COVID-19 lockdowns as takeout became essential.
Pandemic restrictions on dining in restaurants
Cultural Context
The iconic white folded container was invented in America in the 1890s, not in China. It became synonymous with Chinese-American food through the 20th century.
Represents the rise of convenience culture and the blurring of home/restaurant boundaries. Symbolizes busy modern lifestyles where cooking is optional.
Usage increased with the rise of food delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Deliveroo, which made ordering takeout more convenient.
The container design is primarily North American; in China and most of Asia, different containers are used for takeaway food.
Regional Variations
Australia
Known as a 'takeaway container' but this specific design is less common. Still recognized as representing Asian food.
United Kingdom
Called a 'takeaway box' rather than 'takeout box'. Less commonly seen as Chinese food often comes in different packaging.
United States
Called a 'takeout box' and strongly associated with Chinese-American cuisine. The design is iconic in American culture.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Used practically to indicate takeout plans. Less likely to use in emotional contexts or with multiple emojis.
Gen_Z: Frequently used in food-related social media posts and stories. Associated with 'treat yourself' culture and delivery app convenience.
Older: Limited usage, typically literal when discussing actual takeout food plans rather than conceptual references.
Millennials: Common in work contexts to indicate lunch orders or dinner plans. Used in family chats to coordinate meal logistics.
Common Combinations
🥡🥢
Chinese takeout food with chopsticks
Represents complete Chinese food experience for takeout or delivery
🥡🍚
Rice dish for takeout or delivery
Often used for Asian food orders, particularly rice-based dishes
🥡🍜
Noodle dish for takeout
Used for ramen, lo mein, or other noodle dishes ordered for delivery
🥡🏠
Food delivery to home
Represents food delivery services bringing meals to one's residence