π§
Merperson
mur-pur-suhn
Definitions
1
Mythical Β· Fantasy
Common
A mythical aquatic creature with human upper body and fish tail instead of legs. Gender-neutral representation of merfolk.
Used to reference fantasy, mythology, beach culture, or swimming. Often appears in vacation or ocean-related content.
Just finished my swim lesson and feeling like a π§ today!
Instagram caption
Beach vacation mood: π§ π ποΈ
WhatsApp message
Represents mythological beings found in folklore worldwide. Modern usage influenced by popular culture depictions in films and literature.
2
Identity Β· Expression
Emerging
Symbol for gender fluidity, transformation, or existing between two worlds. Used in LGBTQ+ contexts to represent non-binary identities.
Often used metaphorically to express feeling caught between different identities or states of being.
Embracing my authentic self today π§ #NonBinary
Twitter post
Increasingly adopted in queer communities as a symbol of transformation and existing outside binary categories.
Evolution Timeline
2017
Introduced in Unicode 10.0 as gender-neutral alternative to mermaid/merman emojis.
Growing awareness of gender-inclusive representation in emoji design.
2018
Gained popularity following release of gender-specific mermaid/merman variants.
Increased interest in fantasy creatures in popular culture.
2020
Adopted in some LGBTQ+ communities as symbol of gender fluidity and transformation.
Expanding emoji usage for identity expression beyond literal meanings.
Cultural Context
Merfolk appear in folklore worldwide, from Greek sirens to the Mami Wata of African traditions. The modern Western image was popularized by Hans Christian Andersen's 'The Little Mermaid'.
Merpeople represent the human fascination with transformation and existing between worlds. They symbolize both freedom and entrapment in different cultural contexts.
Part of Unicode's effort to provide gender-neutral alternatives to previously gendered emoji concepts, reflecting changing social awareness about gender representation.
Younger users often employ this emoji metaphorically to represent feelings of not belonging or existing between different states, extending beyond literal mythological references.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
Often connected to British folklore about sea creatures and coastal legends.
United States
Often associated with pop culture references like Disney's 'The Little Mermaid' and beach culture.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: More literal usage referencing mythology or beach activities. Less frequent usage overall compared to younger generations.
Gen_Z: Used metaphorically for identity expression, transformation, and not fitting conventional categories. Popular in fantasy aesthetics on TikTok and Instagram.
Older: Limited usage, primarily literal when referring to mythology or folklore. Rarely used in digital communication.
Millennials: Often used playfully for beach vacations, swimming activities, and pop culture references. Common in travel content and nostalgic Disney references.
Common Combinations
π§π
Swimming, beach activities, or ocean-related content.
Commonly used in vacation posts or to express love of the ocean.
π§β¨
Magical or fantasy themes, often with dreamy connotations.
Popular in fantasy fiction communities and cosplay contexts.
π§ποΈ
Beach vacation or tropical getaway.
Used in travel content or to express desire for coastal holidays.
π§π§
Feeling conflicted or 'of two minds' about something.
Metaphorical usage representing duality or mixed feelings.