🦴
Bone
bohn
Definitions
1
Anatomy · Body Part
Common
Represents a bone, the hard tissue that forms the skeleton of vertebrates. Used literally to reference bones, skeletal structures, or fossils.
Commonly used in medical, veterinary, or educational contexts. Also appears in Halloween themes.
Just finished my anatomy exam! I can name every 🦴 in the human body now.
Academic/Educational
Bought a new toy for my dog and he's obsessed with this 🦴
Pet owners/Social media
Often associated with dogs, archaeology, or medical discussions. In digital communication, frequently used humorously.
2
Slang · Humor
Uncommon
Used humorously or metaphorically to represent something fundamental or structural, or as a playful reference to being skinny.
More common in casual conversations and social media posts than formal communication.
After that workout, I'm nothing but skin and 🦴
Social media/Fitness
In slang contexts, can reference being tired ('bone-tired') or having nothing left ('bare bones').
Cultural Context
The bone emoji emerged as part of Unicode 11.0 in 2018, filling a gap in medical and anatomical representation in digital communication.
Often used humorously in reference to dogs, representing the stereotypical dog treat in cartoons and popular culture.
Supports expressions like 'bone-tired,' 'bare bones,' and 'bone of contention' in digital communication, extending traditional idioms.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
Used in medical contexts and archaeological references, with notable usage in British humor.
United States
Commonly used in reference to pet dogs, Halloween decorations, and medical contexts.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Used more literally in medical, pet care, or educational contexts.
Gen_Z: Used playfully in memes about being skinny or tired. Often combined with dog emojis in pet content.
Older: Limited usage, primarily in straightforward contexts about anatomy or pets.
Millennials: Commonly used in pet-related content, fitness discussions, and Halloween posts.
Common Combinations
🦴🐕
Dog bone, treat for dogs, or pet care.
Universal symbol for dog ownership and pet care across digital platforms.
🦴💀
Skeleton, remains, or Halloween decoration.
Associated with spooky themes, Halloween, or discussions about mortality.
🦴🦖
Dinosaur fossils or paleontology.
Used in educational contexts or when discussing museums and prehistoric life.