πŸ€™

Call Me Hand

kɔːl miː hΓ¦nd
People & Body Unicode 3.0 common

Meanings

1
Gesture Β· Communication Common

A hand gesture mimicking a telephone, with thumb and pinky extended and other fingers folded. Used to suggest 'call me' or to request future communication.

Commonly used in casual conversations to suggest continuing a conversation later via phone call.

Let's discuss the details later πŸ€™ πŸ“‹ Text message after brief discussion
Got your email. πŸ€™ you tonight to talk about the project. πŸ“‹ Professional communication

In Western contexts, primarily represents a request for communication. Often used in business and social contexts.

2
Gesture Β· Cultural Common

The 'shaka' or 'hang loose' gesture originating from Hawaiian surf culture, representing friendliness, solidarity, and a relaxed attitude.

Used to express solidarity, approval, or a laid-back attitude, especially in surf and beach communities.

Just booked our beach vacation πŸ€™ Surf's up! πŸ“‹ Social media post
That was an epic performance πŸ€™ πŸ“‹ Comment on social media

Originally from Hawaii, now globally recognized in surf culture and among younger generations as a symbol of coolness and relaxed vibes.

Combos with πŸ€™

πŸ€™πŸ˜Ž
Cool vibes or laid-back attitude, often related to surf culture or casual plans.
Popular in beach and surf communities to express relaxed coolness.
πŸ€™πŸ„
Surf's up or surfing plans/invitation.
Used among surfers and beach enthusiasts to express excitement about waves.
πŸ€™πŸ”œ
Will call you soon or talk to you later.
Used in business or social contexts to indicate future communication.
πŸ€™πŸŒŠ
Beach vibes or coastal lifestyle appreciation.
Popular among coastal dwellers and beach enthusiasts.

Culture

The shaka sign's origins are debated, with theories including a Hawaiian fisherman who lost three fingers, a Spanish immigrant waving with missing fingers, or a surf culture creation.

The gesture represents different concepts across cultures: communication in business contexts, relaxed attitude in surf culture, and friendliness in Hawaiian culture.

Despite being named 'call me hand' in Unicode, its digital use often leans toward the 'hang loose' meaning, especially on social media platforms.

In Brazil, the gesture gained enormous popularity through the 'Hang Loose' clothing brand, becoming deeply embedded in Brazilian surf and youth culture.

The term 'shaka' is Hawaiian, while 'hang loose' became popular through surf culture, showing how one gesture acquires different names across communities.

Australia Predominantly used as 'hang loose' in Australia's strong surf culture, rarely as 'call me'.
Brazil Very popular in Brazil's surf communities with strong 'hang loose' connotations.
United States Dual meaning as both 'call me' and 'hang loose', with the latter more common in Hawaii and coastal regions.
Gen_X: More likely to use as 'call me' in communication contexts, though those in coastal areas recognize the surf meaning.
Gen_Z: Primarily used as 'hang loose' or to signify coolness and relaxed vibes. Common on TikTok and Instagram in surf/beach content.
Older: Limited usage, primarily as literal 'call me' gesture when used. Less familiar with the surf culture connotations.
Millennials: Used both as 'call me' and 'hang loose' depending on context. Common in messaging apps and casual work communications.

History

1960

Shaka sign becomes popular in Hawaiian surf culture, though its exact origins remain debated.

Growth of surf culture in Hawaii and associated friendly gestures

1976

Hang Loose brand adopts the gesture as its logo, spreading it through surf communities globally.

Commercialization of surf culture and associated symbols

2010

Emoji standardization includes the gesture primarily as 'call me hand' despite dual cultural meaning.

Digital communication standardization requiring formal naming

2016

Unicode 9.0 officially adds the emoji, recognizing both 'call me' and 'hang loose' meanings.

Growing emoji vocabulary to include culturally significant gestures