🧻
Roll of Paper
rohl uhv pey-per
Definitions
1
Objects · Household
Common
Represents toilet paper or paper towels in roll form, typically used in bathrooms or kitchens for cleaning and hygiene purposes.
Often used literally to reference household supplies or shopping lists, but gained symbolic meaning during pandemic shortages.
Just did a grocery run, got the last 🧻 on the shelf!
Text message during shortage
Don't forget to add 🧻 to the shopping list
Family group chat
Became a cultural icon during the COVID-19 pandemic when panic buying led to widespread shortages in many countries.
2
Symbolic · Crisis
Common
Symbolizes panic buying, hoarding behavior, or preparation for emergencies, particularly in reference to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Used humorously or critically when discussing consumer behavior during crises.
Weather forecast says snow tomorrow, cue everyone rushing for milk, bread and 🧻
Social media post
Became a shorthand for discussing societal responses to emergencies and supply chain disruptions.
Evolution Timeline
2018
Added to Unicode 11.0 as a basic household item emoji with limited usage.
Part of expanded household and object emoji sets.
2020
Became one of the most used emojis during COVID-19 pandemic toilet paper shortages.
Global panic buying led to empty shelves and viral images of toilet paper hoarding.
2021
Usage evolved to symbolize preparation for emergencies beyond COVID-19.
Continued supply chain disruptions and increased awareness of emergency preparedness.
Cultural Context
The 2020 pandemic transformed this mundane household item into a symbol of crisis preparation and societal anxiety about basic necessities.
Toilet paper hoarding revealed how quickly social norms break down during perceived emergencies, even when the item itself isn't directly related to the crisis.
Highlighted vulnerabilities in just-in-time supply chains and how social media can accelerate panic buying through viral images of empty shelves.
Regional Variations
Australia
Often called 'dunny roll' in informal contexts.
United Kingdom
Often called 'loo roll' or 'toilet roll' rather than toilet paper.
United States
Commonly called 'toilet paper' or 'TP', with 'paper towels' specifically for kitchen use.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Primarily practical usage in family coordination and shopping lists, with some pandemic-related humor.
Gen_Z: Often used ironically in memes about pandemic behavior or adulting challenges. Common on TikTok in videos about shopping or shortages.
Older: Mostly literal usage referring to actual toilet paper needs or shopping lists, with less symbolic application.
Millennials: Used practically in family chats about shopping needs, but also in humor about pandemic hoarding and home management.
Common Combinations
🧻🛒
Shopping for toilet paper or household essentials
Common during pandemic to indicate successful shopping trips or product availability
🧻😱
Panic about toilet paper shortage or running out
References pandemic hoarding behavior or household emergency
🧻💰
Expensive toilet paper or price gouging during shortages
Commentary on inflated prices during supply chain disruptions