🫰

Hand with Index Finger and Thumb Crossed

hand with IN-deks FING-ger and thum KROST
People & Body Unicode 14.0 common

Meanings

1
Gesture · Money Common

A hand gesture signifying money or wealth, where the thumb and index finger are crossed to symbolize financial prosperity or discussions about currency.

Often used when discussing finances, requesting payment, or celebrating financial success.

Just got my bonus check today 🫰 treating everyone to dinner! 📋 Social media post
When are you going to pay me back? 🫰 📋 Text message

Widely recognized in Western cultures as a money gesture, particularly in business and financial contexts.

2
Gesture · Affection Common

A subtle heart shape formed with fingers, representing love, affection, or appreciation in a more understated way than traditional heart gestures.

Popular among younger users to express affection toward friends, family, or romantic partners.

Missing you so much 🫰 📋 Instagram caption
Thanks for always being there for me 🫰 📋 Text message

Gained popularity through Korean pop culture as an alternative heart gesture, sometimes called the 'finger heart'.

3
Gesture · Small Amount Uncommon

A pinching gesture indicating a small amount or quantity of something, similar to the physical gesture of holding something tiny between fingers.

Used to indicate needing or having just a little bit of something.

Could I just have 🫰 a bit more salt on this? 📋 Text message about food

This meaning is less common than the money or heart interpretations but remains contextually relevant in certain conversations.

Combos with 🫰

🫰💰
Making or discussing money, financial success, or wealth accumulation.
Common in entrepreneurial contexts and financial discussions on social media.
🫰💕
Subtle expression of love or affection, often in a romantic context.
Popular among K-pop fans and younger users expressing affection.
🫰🙏
Hoping for financial blessing or expressing gratitude for money received.
Used in contexts of financial aspiration or thankfulness.
🫰✨
Manifesting wealth or financial success through positive thinking.
Popular in manifestation and law of attraction communities.
🫰🔥
Making money moves or taking successful financial actions.
Used to highlight impressive financial achievements or ambitions.

Culture

This gesture exemplifies how emoji meanings can vary dramatically across cultures, functioning primarily as a money symbol in Western contexts but as an affection gesture in East Asian contexts.

Younger users are more likely to interpret this as a heart gesture due to K-pop influence, while older users typically see it as a money or small amount gesture.

The emoji demonstrates semantic drift, with its meaning evolving from a Korean heart gesture to include financial connotations in Western digital communication.

The inclusion of this gesture in Unicode 14.0 reflects the growing influence of East Asian communication styles on global digital expression.

United Kingdom Used both as a money symbol and as a gesture indicating a small amount of something.
South Korea Primarily interpreted as a finger heart gesture expressing affection, love, or appreciation.
United States Predominantly seen as a money gesture in American culture, especially in business contexts and casual conversations about finances.
Gen_X: Predominantly interpreted as a money gesture or indication of a small amount; less frequently used than other hand gesture emojis.
Gen_Z: Primarily used as a finger heart gesture inspired by K-pop culture; frequently appears in TikTok videos and Instagram stories expressing subtle affection.
Older: Limited usage, typically interpreted as a pinching gesture to indicate a small quantity or amount when used.
Millennials: Dual usage as both money symbol and heart gesture depending on context; common in workplace chat apps when discussing finances or budgets.

History

2020

Gained popularity in Western markets through social media exposure to K-pop and Korean entertainment.

Increased global consumption of Korean entertainment during pandemic lockdowns

2021

Officially added to Unicode 14.0, allowing consistent display across platforms.

Growing demand for diverse hand gestures reflecting global communication styles

2022

Meaning expanded beyond Korean heart to include money symbolism in Western contexts.

Increased discussions about finances and inflation on social media