🥤
Cup With Straw
kuhp with straw
Definitions
1
Food · Beverage
Very Common
A disposable cup with a straw, typically representing a cold soft drink, soda, or similar beverage purchased from a fast food restaurant or convenience store.
Used to indicate thirst, refreshment, or casual dining experiences. Often appears in social media posts about meals or outings.
Finally Friday! Time for burgers and a large 🥤
Instagram caption
This heat is unbearable, I need a 🥤 ASAP!
Text message
Symbolizes convenience culture and on-the-go consumption. Recently associated with environmental debates about single-use plastics.
2
Food · Specific Beverage
Common
Represents specific beverages like bubble tea, smoothies, milkshakes, or iced coffee served in a cup with a straw, depending on context.
Context often clarifies which specific beverage is meant. May be used alongside other food emojis to complete a meal.
Perfect afternoon: 📚 + 🥤 (bubble tea) at my favorite cafe
Twitter post
Interpretation varies by region and age group, with younger users more likely to associate it with trendy drinks like bubble tea.
Evolution Timeline
2017
Added to Unicode 10.0 as 'Cup With Straw', reflecting the global popularity of takeaway beverages.
Rise of social media food photography and 'foodstagram' culture
2018
Gained environmental connotations amid global plastic straw bans and debates about single-use plastics.
Viral videos of sea turtles injured by plastic straws sparked environmental movement
2020
Shifted to represent delivery and takeout culture during COVID-19 lockdowns.
Pandemic restrictions on dining in restaurants
Cultural Context
Has become a symbol in debates about single-use plastics, especially plastic straws. Often used in discussions about sustainability and eco-friendly alternatives.
Represents convenience culture and on-the-go consumption patterns typical of modern urban lifestyles. Symbolizes the 'grab and go' approach to food and drink.
Younger users more likely to associate with specialty drinks like bubble tea or smoothies, while older users typically interpret as soda or soft drinks.
Features in discussions about sustainable alternatives like paper straws, metal straws, or straw-less lids as technology adapts to environmental concerns.
Regional Variations
Australia
Commonly called a 'soft drink' or specific brand names. Often associated with 'takeaway' rather than 'fast food'.
United Kingdom
Often called a 'fizzy drink' or specific brand names. Less associated with fast food than in the US.
United States
Commonly called a 'soda' or 'pop' (regionally), with strong associations to fast food culture and drive-thrus.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Typically represents soda or soft drinks. Used in family meal contexts or casual dining situations.
Gen_Z: Often represents bubble tea, iced coffee, or smoothies. Frequently used in TikTok and Instagram Stories about café visits or aesthetic drinks.
Older: Less frequently used. When employed, generally represents a generic soft drink or soda pop in straightforward contexts.
Millennials: Commonly used for any takeaway beverage. Associated with food delivery apps and work break refreshments.
Common Combinations
🥤🍔
Fast food meal or combo meal, typically from a chain restaurant
Universal symbol of quick-service dining and American food culture
🥤🎬
Going to the movies or watching a film with a drink
Associated with cinema experiences and entertainment
🥤🧋
Different types of drinks or beverage options
Often used when discussing bubble tea specifically or drink preferences
🥤♨️
Contrast between cold and hot drinks or temperature preferences
Used when discussing beverage choices based on weather or personal taste