π§
Cheese Wedge
/tΚiΛz wΙdΚ/
Definitions
1
Food Β· Dairy
Common
Represents a wedge of yellow cheese, typically depicting cheddar or similar hard cheese with characteristic holes. Used to reference cheese itself or cheese-related foods.
Commonly used when discussing food, cooking, snacks, or expressing love for cheese.
Made an amazing grilled π§ sandwich for lunch today!
Personal message/Instagram caption
Wine and π§ night with the girls! π·
Social media post
Associated with various cuisines globally, but particularly connected to European cheese traditions and American cheese culture.
2
Slang Β· Humor
Uncommon
Used metaphorically to indicate something cheesy, corny, or excessively sentimental. Can refer to jokes, pickup lines, or romantic gestures perceived as clichΓ©.
Often used with humorous or self-aware intent, acknowledging something is deliberately corny.
That pickup line was so π§ but I'm kind of into it π
Text message
The association between cheese and corniness stems from mid-20th century American slang where 'cheesy' came to mean tacky or inauthentic.
Evolution Timeline
2015
Introduction of cheese wedge emoji as part of Unicode 8.0, filling a notable gap in food emoji options.
Growing demand for food emoji diversity beyond basic fruits and fast food.
2017
Adoption increases as food photography and 'foodstagram' culture peaks on social media.
Rise of charcuterie board photography and food styling on Instagram.
Cultural Context
Cheese has evolved from basic sustenance to cultural signifier, with the emoji reflecting both everyday food references and status-marking culinary sophistication.
The phrase 'say cheese' when taking photos has linked cheese with smiling, though this connection isn't strongly reflected in emoji usage.
While universally recognized, cheese carries different cultural weight across regionsβfrom casual American snacking to central elements of European culinary identity.
Regional Variations
France
Used with greater reverence and culinary sophistication, often referencing specific cheese varieties rather than cheese generally.
United States
Often associated with Wisconsin (America's 'cheese state') and American cheese culture. Used in sports contexts by Green Bay Packers fans ('Cheeseheads').
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Practical usage mostly related to actual food references. Less likely to use in metaphorical contexts.
Gen_Z: Used playfully in food posts and memes. Sometimes used ironically to highlight something 'cheesy' or cringey in TikToks and Instagram stories.
Older: Limited usage, primarily literal reference to cheese in food contexts when discussing recipes or meals.
Millennials: Commonly used in food photography, recipe sharing, and to highlight artisanal food experiences. Popular in charcuterie board posts.
Common Combinations
π§π·
Wine and cheese pairing or gathering
References sophisticated social gatherings or European dining traditions
π§π
Mouse and cheese trope
References the classic cartoon/cultural association between mice and cheese
ππ§
Cheeseburger or adding cheese to food
Used to specify cheese as an ingredient or topping
π§π
Cheese lover or cheese enthusiasm
Expresses personal love for cheese or cheese-based foods