🪤
Mouse Trap
maus trap
Definitions
1
Objects · Tools
uncommon
A device designed to catch or kill mice, typically featuring a spring-loaded bar and bait. Used literally to refer to actual mouse traps or figuratively to represent traps, tricks, or catching someone.
Often used when discussing pest control, setting traps, or metaphorically when someone falls for a trick.
Finally set up the 🪤 in the garage. Hope it works!
Home maintenance message
That offer sounds too good to be true... feels like a 🪤 to me.
Warning message to a friend
Beyond its literal meaning, serves as a metaphor for deception or being caught in a difficult situation.
2
Metaphorical · Warning
rare
A symbol representing a trap, trick, or dangerous situation. Used to warn someone about potential scams, tricks, or situations where caution is advised.
Commonly used in casual conversations about suspicious situations or to indicate something is a trick.
That email asking for your password is definitely a 🪤
Warning about phishing
In digital culture, represents being lured into a trap or deceptive situation, particularly in conversations about scams.
Evolution Timeline
2020
Added to Unicode 13.0 as part of expanded household object emojis.
Growing demand for practical household object emojis for everyday conversations.
Cultural Context
The mouse trap emoji reflects practical domestic concerns while also serving as a metaphor for deception in digital communication.
Despite being a relatively new emoji (2020), it quickly found use in conversations about scams and digital security warnings.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
More commonly used metaphorically to indicate someone being caught out or tricked.
United States
Often used in reference to home pest control and DIY solutions, reflecting American suburban homeownership culture.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: More likely to use literally in context of actual pest control discussions or home maintenance.
Gen_Z: Occasionally used metaphorically to indicate someone being 'caught' in a lie or exposed. Sometimes used in memes about being tricked.
Older: Limited usage, primarily literal when discussing actual mouse traps or pest problems.
Millennials: Used both literally when discussing home maintenance and metaphorically for work-related traps or scams.
Common Combinations
🪤🧀
Setting a baited mouse trap, typically with cheese as bait.
References the classic cartoon trope of using cheese to bait mouse traps.
🪤⚠️
Warning about a trap or scam.
Used to alert others about potential dangers or deceptive situations.
🐁🪤
Mouse problem or pest control situation.
Straightforward reference to catching mice or dealing with rodent issues.