🫱
Rightwards Hand
rīt-wərdz hand
Definitions
1
Gesture · Communication
Common
A hand extending rightward, typically used to represent offering, giving, or reaching out to someone. Often used in conjunction with the leftwards hand emoji to form a handshake.
Commonly used to indicate agreement, offering help, or extending friendship in digital communication.
I'm here if you need help with anything 🫱
Text message offering assistance
Let's put our differences aside 🫱
Social media post about reconciliation
Represents universal gesture of giving or offering across cultures, though specific interpretations may vary.
2
Gesture · Agreement
Common
Used to represent a handshake when paired with the leftwards hand emoji, symbolizing agreement, partnership, or deal-making.
Particularly common in business contexts, contract discussions, or when finalizing arrangements.
Deal 🫱🫲
Business chat confirming an agreement
The handshake gesture (when paired) represents formal agreement in Western business culture.
Evolution Timeline
2021
Introduction in Unicode 14.0, quickly adopted for virtual handshakes during pandemic distancing
COVID-19 pandemic's impact on physical greetings
2022
Expanded beyond handshakes to represent general offering or reaching out
Growing need for nuanced gesture emojis in digital communication
Cultural Context
The rightward hand represents the universal human gesture of giving, which appears across most cultures as a symbol of generosity and connection.
Gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of virtual handshakes when physical contact was limited, showing how emoji evolve to fill communication needs.
Often functions as a gestural verb in digital communication, replacing phrases like 'I offer' or 'I give' with a single visual element.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
Used more reservedly, often with polite language accompanying the gesture.
United States
Often used in business contexts to signify deals and partnerships, with strong connotations of entrepreneurship.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Primarily used in business contexts or family communications, often to signify concrete offers of help.
Gen_Z: Frequently used in casual contexts to indicate vibes or energy being shared, often with less formal connotations than older generations.
Older: Less frequently used, but when employed, typically represents literal giving or formal agreement situations.
Millennials: Commonly used in professional contexts for networking and in personal chats to offer support or assistance.
Common Combinations
🫱🫲
Handshake, agreement, deal, or partnership
Universal symbol of agreement or deal-making across digital platforms
🫱💰
Offering money, payment, or financial assistance
Used to indicate lending, giving money, or financial transactions
🫱🔑
Handing over keys, giving access or responsibility
Often used when discussing property transfers or delegating authority
🫱❤️
Offering love, emotional support, or compassion
Used to express emotional availability or offering comfort