Copyright © 2024 Safer Schools Together. The Interpreting and Translating Emojis Guide will provide School Safety/Threat Assessment (SS/TA) Teams with a functional understanding of emojis commonly used by today’s youth and their association with specific categories of concern.
Copyright © 2024 Safer Schools Together. The reproduction of this material is strictly prohibited without the written permission of the copyright owners. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: Given the rapidly evolving nature of technology and social media applications, this information (especially social media platform-related) is current as of the date of publication.
TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 1 SUICIDAL IDEATION/MENTAL HEALTH CONCERN/SELF-HARM EMOJIS ................................................ 2 RISK OF SEXTORTION .......................................................................................................................... 4 CYBERBULLYING EMOJIS ..................................................................................................................... 6 HATE AND RADICALIZATION EMOJIS ................................................................................................... 8 SUBSTANCE ABUSE EMOJIS ................................................................................................................. 9 GANG ASSOCIATED EMOJIS................................................................................................................12 Drugs/ Trafficking................................................................................................................................................... 13 Violence / Groups................................................................................................................................................... 15 INTERNET SLANG/LINGO ...................................................................................................................17 Gang Associated Internet Slang/Lingo ................................................................................................................... 17 Additional Internet Lingo/Slang ............................................................................................................................. 18
INTRODUCTION The concept of leakage has been referenced by professionals and researchers for over two decades. However, its significance has grown substantially for Threat Assessment Teams due to the expansion and widespread use of social media. Subject Matter Experts agree that an overall assessment of risk cannot be determined without looking at an individual's online activity as a parallel process when initiating a threat assessment. Leakage can be a cry for help, a sign of inner conflict, or boasts that may look empty but express a serious threat. Leakage is one of the most important clues that may precede an adolescent’s violent act. This Resource Guide will provide School Safety/Threat Assessment (SS/TA) Teams with a functional understanding of emojis commonly used by today’s youth and their association with specific categories of concern. To best use this resource, we encourage SS/TA Teams to attend the Digital Threat Assessment® (DTA) training to better understand digital data collection and best practices for supporting individuals when worrisome online behavior is identified. Safer Schools Together (SST) advises against using your personal accounts and devices when searching for worrisome or threat-related behavior, as there is a possibility that the searching methods demonstrated may notify the Subject(s) of Concern (SOC).
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SUICIDAL IDEATION/MENTAL HEALTH CONCERN/SELF-HARM EMOJIS Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts or fantasies about ending one's own life. It can range from brief, fleeting thoughts, to detailed plans and can be accompanied by feelings of hopelessness, despair, loneliness, and worthlessness. Suicidal ideation is often a symptom of a mental health concern, but it can also occur in response to stressful life events or trauma. It's important to take any thoughts of suicide seriously and seek professional help if you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal ideation. When referring to the unsettling trends of suicide among young people, 1 we need to find an appropriate response to the behavior in cases where youth are encouraging and supporting other peers in their expression of suicidal ideation. This can sometimes include offering an improved plan for completion. There is a concerning increase in these behaviors with the escalating presence of anonymous apps and social networking platforms such as Discord, Reddit, 4Chan, and WhatsApp. 2 More adolescents are accessing emergency rooms with self-inflicted wounds or suicide attempts than we have ever seen before. 3 Self-harming can include cutting 4 or the act of physically hurting themselves by other means to focus on another form of pain. It is becoming clear how climbing caseloads in mental health are affecting the health system. Researchers say they are seeing a distressing rise in the number of youths seeking help for self-inflicted wounds, especially in females. 5 However, many doctors and specialists report that the increasing number of youths seeking support for self-harm at the ER, don’t have the hallmarks of a psychiatric disorder, leaving doctors with no clear answers as to why they’re seeing so many more adolescents with these types of injuries. 6 Another increasingly concerning online trend is posting self-harming behaviors online, including still images and videos of the action of self-harm. As this behavior continues, we can predict that the number of adolescents engaged in these behaviors will continue to rise. Self-harming behaviors and suicide attempts are very different behaviors and need to be responded to accordingly. Sameer Hinduja, Ph.D., Co-Author, Professor, Florida Atlantic University School of Criminology and Criminal Justice within the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice, Co-Director of the Cyberbullying Research Center, and a faculty associate at the Berkman Klein Center at Harvard University said, “We have identified a strong association between digital self-harm and suicidality. As such, it’s imperative for health professionals to screen for digital self-harm to address underlying mental health problems among youth that may occur prior to or alongside suicidality. Moreover, parents and caregivers must convey to children that they are available to dialog, support, and assist with the root issues that may eventually manifest as digital self-harm. Educators and other stakeholders must better prioritize the emotional and psychological needs of youth with opportunities for open dialog, skill-building, and the provision of interactive and easily accessible online and offline support resources to ensure that those at-risk know that other people care about them.” 7
1 Suicide rate highest among teens and young adults | UCLA Health Connect 2 Anonymous Apps Digital Threat Assessment® Training for Anonymous Apps (icdta.org) 3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9164513/ 4 Cutting: Self-Harm, on Arm, Yourself, Self-Injury, in Adults, and More (healthline.com) 5 Emergency Department Visits for Self-Inflicted Injuries Increase among Young U.S. Females - For The Media - JAMA Network
6 Canadian hospitals stretched as self-harming teens seek help | CBC News 7 https://www.fau.edu/newsdesk/articles/digital-self-harm-suicide.php
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Emoji
Translation
Emoji
Translation
Indication of Self-Harm by burning oneself
Indication of Self-Harm
Pills
Suicide Attempt
Eating Disorder/ Skipped Meal
Hurting or bleeding
Physical or Emotional Pain
Feeling Depressed
Indication of extreme sadness and suffering *Could also indicate something is cute/funny
Feeling down
Indication of distress/ discontent
Barely holding it together
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RISK OF SEXTORTION The term ‘sexting’ has emerged as the use of text messages to send sexually explicit media and messages. Sexting is also commonly done over popular apps such as WhatsApp and Instagram Direct Messages (DMs), but we have seen it widely popularized through Snapchat due to its ability to send photographs, videos, and messages that can only be seen once for a few seconds before “disappearing” from the user’s feed. Sexting has its dangers and it’s important to acknowledge how it can permanently impact the lives of our youth. One of the most dangerous scenarios that we see occur repeatedly, especially in teenagers, is sextortion. Sextortion is where non-physical forms of coercion are used to extort non-consensual sexual favors from the victim (i.e., sharing intimate details, sexual images, or videos of the victim online if they don’t meet their demands such as money, sexual favors, more nude photos, etc.). Sextortion can happen to anyone who chooses to sext – it’s not always performed by a stranger who is unrelated to the victim – it can be someone close to them. It is crucial to understand when someone chooses to engage in sexting, they are subjecting themselves to sextortion. Sextortion can occur regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation; however, research shows that women, teens, and children are most likely to be targeted. 8 However, we are starting to see an increased trend among males of all age ranges being targeted by sextortion scams. 9 When responding to cases of sextortion, SS/TA Teams must pay careful attention to: • Recognizing that sextortion is a traumatic experience that can be stored at the cellular level. • Understanding how traumatic events can affect an individual, group of individuals, or an organization/system. • Responding compassionately and thoughtfully. To ensure a trauma-informed response when handling sextortion cases, trained multi-disciplinary SS/TA Teams must respond to a report of possible sextortion that co-occurs as a parallel process with a behavioral and digital threat assessment. The threat assessment process helps determine the immediate safety and emotional needs of the victim and concerns regarding the Subject of Concern (SOC).
8 Home – protectchildren.ca 9 https://cybertip.ca/en/online-harms/sextortion/
4
Emoji
Translation
Emoji
Translation
Female Genitalia
Male Genitalia
Potentially Explicit Pictures of Male Genitalia
Start of First Menstruation
Potentially Explicit Pictures of Female Genitalia/Breasts
Potentially Explicit Pictures of Female Genitalia
Sexually Suggestive indication of penetrative sex
Bodily Fluids
Indication of sexual activity, oral sex
Nude photo
Porn
Having Sex
Reference to sexual content sometimes referred to as a “Spicy Link”
Sexually Aroused
Looking to send/receive intimate images/videos
Seen intimate images/videos
Example of Emojis Used:
5
CYBERBULLYING EMOJIS With the use of technology, cyberbullying has become a prominent way for teens and adults to say things that are intended to be intimidating and/or mean to others by hiding behind a screen. 10 Behaviors can include harassment via digital devices, setting up defamatory personal websites, or deliberately excluding someone from social networking spaces. This may also include online posting or electronic distribution of embarrassing or intimate images or videos, real or altered, without the consent of the person contained in the images/videos. Cyberbullying can happen at any time and can be in a public or private setting; occasionally only known to the target and the person perpetuating the bullying behavior. Cyberbullying is the newest phenomenon of the four types of bullying. Given the pace of the development of new technology and the younger age at which young people are introduced to digital devices and the internet, information and trends on this type of bullying behavior change rapidly. Cyberbullying has changed the traditional face of bullying in three significant ways – Access, Scope, and Anonymity (ASA): • Access : it is virtually impossible for targets to get away from those who cyberbully. Most youth have access to all types of technology, which provides those who cyberbully the ability to reach their targets almost all the time. Targets do not have a safe haven as they do in cases of traditional bullying, and sometimes allows traditional bullying to follow the victim online. • Scope : unlike traditional bullying, due to technology, audiences of cyberbullying (both victims and those witnessing) have few barriers and can grow exponentially. • Anonymity : those who cyberbully can hide their identity. Anonymity, which is inherent in electronic communication, promotes a lack of inhibition. As a result, normal behavior restraints can disappear, allowing youth to act harsher than they would offline.
10 Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA). (2023). What is Cyberbullying . StopBullying.gov. https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/what-is-it
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Emoji
Translation
Emoji
Translation
Potential Shooting Threat
Potential Weapon Threat
Potential warning that they will need medical assistance
Middle Finger meant as an Insult
Potential Fighting Threat
Potential Bomb Threat
Indication of a Death Threat
Backstabber
Weak or Fragile
“Over it”
You’re a liar
Small Penis
Emphasizing a point
Basic/Plain
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HATE AND RADICALIZATION EMOJIS Hate refers to an intense feeling of hostility or aversion towards individuals or groups based on their characteristics, beliefs, or actions. Radicalization is the adoption of extreme ideologies or beliefs by an individual(s) that challenge or reject mainstream societal norms. Both hate and radicalization can have a significant negative consequence for individuals and society as a whole.
Emoji
Translation
Emoji
Translation
You’re Gay!
N**** Word
Insults to the LGBTQ community
Insults to the Transgender Community
Symbol of Hate associated with white supremacy and the far right.
Used for the Black Power Movement
8
SUBSTANCE ABUSE EMOJIS Substance abuse among youth is any use of substances by youth with a high risk of adverse outcomes (i.e., criminal involvement, injury, dropping out of school, overdose, loss of life, etc.). This can include: • Misuse of prescription drugs. • Use of illicit drugs (i.e., cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, inhalants, hallucinogens, ecstasy, etc.). • Use of injection drugs that have a high risk of infection of blood-borne diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis 11 . According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 15% of high school students reported having used select illicit or injection drugs, 12 and 14% of students reported the misuse of prescription opioids. 13 Injection drug use places youth at direct risk for HIV and drug use in general broadly places youth at risk of overdose. 14 Students who reported using prescription drugs without a doctor’s prescription are more likely to have been the victim of physical or sexual dating violence as opposed to other students; additionally, youth opioid use has been shown to be directly linked to risky sexual behavior, experience of violence, and mental health and suicide risks. 15
According to the Center for Disease Control, risk factors for substance abuse can include:
• Family history of substance use. • Favorable attitudes towards the behavior of trusted adults. • Poor monitoring from trusted adult(s). • Substance use by trusted adults (visible or otherwise). • Family rejection of sexual orientation. • Association with delinquent or substance-using peers. • Lack of school connectedness. • Low academic achievement. • Childhood sexual abuse or other Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). • Mental health concerns. 16
Research has improved the understanding of factors that can help divert youth from a variety of risk-enhancing behaviors, including substance use – these are known as protective factors. Examples of protective factors for substance abuse include:
• Family engagement. • Family support. • Parental/guardian/trusted adult disapproval of substance use and abuse. • Parental/guardian monitoring. • School connectedness. 17
When conducting digital and behavioral threat assessments regarding substance abuse, it is important for SS/TA
11 Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) (cdc.gov) 12 https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/ind2020_su.html
13 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2009-2019 (cdc.gov) 14 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2009-2019 (cdc.gov) 15 Clayton, H.B, Lowry, R, Basile, K.C., et al. Physical and Sexual Dating Violence and Nonmedical Use of Prescription Drugs. Pediatrics. 2017; 140 (6): e20172289.
16 Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) (cdc.gov) 17 Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) (cdc.gov)
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Teams to note that emoji use can be utilized on social media for indication of substance abuse, buying and selling narcotics, as well as gang association/involvement/recruitment. A list of emojis that may indicate gang involvement/recruitment, as well as other commonly used social media emojis, can be found on the following page.
Video by YouTube user TODAY.
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Emoji
Translation
Emoji
Translation
Smoking Marijuana
Pills
�
Cigarettes
Marijuana
Psilocybin Mushrooms aka Magic Mushrooms
Ketamine
MDMA
Bong
Cough Syrup (Lean)
Smoking a Joint
Cocaine
Adderall (Pill, Train)
Oxycodone or Percocet
Xanax
� � � �
Heroin
Crystal Meth
High-Grade Drugs
Vapes
11
GANG ASSOCIATED EMOJIS Youth involved in negative peer groups can be influenced to do something they wouldn’t normally do, which can lead to bullying, exclusions, and pressure to conform to their beliefs. This can also happen with gang-associated behaviors, creating toxic and unhealthy lifestyles.
Emoji
Translation
Emoji
Translation
Related by Blood (Family Member/Close Friend)
Locked Up
Iced Out/Drip/Expensive Jewelry
Gang on Top
No Cap (No Lie)
Low Key
Trap house
Money/Recruitment
�
Link to Drill/Trap Rap Music
Link to Snapchat
�
Memorial Shirt / “Put them on a Shirt” Reference to Law Enforcement
“Stepper” Gang Alignment
Trap/Drill Music / Risk Taker / Human Trafficking
Gang Legend or Boss
12
Example of Emojis:
Preventing youth gang involvement is a growing issue that ultimately results in short- and long-term negative outcomes. Gang involvement for youth has a significant negative impact on their family, friends, and communities. Gangs are typically defined as having the following characteristics: • Formal organizational structure. • Identifiable leadership. • Identified territory. • Recurrent interaction. • Involvement in serious or violent behavior. 18 Drugs/ Trafficking * Disclaimer : These emojis are a part of the Apple IOS 16.4 update and are the best representation of those being used. Emojis may vary based on the device. Please note that not all emojis will look the same. Drug trafficking is a global illicit trade involving the cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and sale of substances that are subject to drug prohibition laws. 19 Drug trafficking is a major issue that poses significant social, economic, and health challenges. When youth get involved in drug trafficking, there are many consequences. Involvement not only leads to increased instances of addiction, but it may also lead to youth becoming involved in very dangerous and unfortunate outcomes, including violence and instability. The use and abuse of drugs, particularly among young individuals, can have detrimental effects on their physical and mental health, academic performance, relationships, and overall well-being. Emoji Translation Emoji Translation
Encrypted App. Online Sales
Dialer/Drug Line
Female Recruitment/ Trafficking
Dialer/Foot Soldier
18 Howell, J. C. (1994). Gangs. Fact sheet #12. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. 19 Drug trafficking (unodc.org)
13
Plug for Drugs/Drug Dealer
Location for Sales/ Site Selection
Online Drug / Firearm Deliveries / Encrypted Apps
Dealer Advertising
Sex Trafficking / Sales of Services / Price
Dial-a-Dope / Drug Trafficker
Sex Trafficking / Movement of Victims
Sex Trafficking Generic
Pimp or Being Pimped Out
Sex Trafficking / Minor
Examples of Emojis used:
14
Violence / Groups *Disclaimer: These emojis are a part of the Apple IOS 16.4 update and are the best representation of those being used. Emojis may vary based on the device. Please note that not all emojis will look the same. According to the Department of Justice, “Gangs are associations of three or more individuals who adopt a group identity in order to create an atmosphere of fear or intimidation.” 20 Violence groups will typically be organized by certain identifiers based on ethnicity or political lines, slogans, symbols, or tattoos. Unfortunately, these groups often use violence and intimidation as a tactic to achieve their goals when participating in criminal behavior.
Emoji
Translation
Emoji
Translation
Crip Association/ Driftwood Crips
Negative Peer Group/Gang
Aggressor
Bloods Association
“SLATT” – Slime Love All The Time
“Free”/ In Custody
Rest in Peace/ “Long Live”
High/Dazed
Murder/Homicide “Smoked”
Violence/Possession of Weapons
Violence/ Possession of Firearms
Not a Snitch
20 About violent gangs . (2021, April 30). https://www.justice.gov/criminal-ocgs/about-violent-gangs
15
Mocking Gang Homicide “Rest in Piss”
Conflict/Mocking
Have committed homicide or Reference to Fallen Gang Member
Snitch
Blood in Blood Out (BIBO Ent.)
Hell’s Angels World
Watts Crips / West Coast Crips
Crips Subset: Rollin 60’s
Crips Subset: Grape Street Crips
Crips Subset: Deuce Crips
Gangsters Discipline Nation (GDN)
Wolfpack Gang
Example of Emojis Used:
16
INTERNET SLANG/LINGO Gang Associated Internet Slang/Lingo LINGO
TRANSLATION
187
California Penal Code for Murder Alliance reference to Crips Gang
2x
6ix / 6ity
Toronto Connection
904/Area Code
Site / Location Anybody Killa All Family Gang
ABK AFG
AFNF
All Family No Friends Brothers For Life
B4L
Bandz / Racks
Money
BFR BLAT BTD BTK
“Blue Feathers Records” (Driftwood Crips)
Blood Love All The Time
Brothers till Death
Born to Kill Drug Deal
Catch a Play CRO/CRODIE
"Bro / Brother"
DB4D Demon Dillies
Death Before Dishonour
Gang Member Hydromorphone
Drip Drop
Expensive Jewelry/Apparel Higher Grade Cocaine
ESB ENT EVB
East Side Bloods
“Entertainment” / Identifying as a Trap/Drill Rapper
Everybody Killer or Every Blood Killer
FR
For Real
FRMDA
“Initial __From The__ Location”
FTOS
Fuck the Other Side
HOUDINI / HOULIGAN
Drill Rapper (Dimarjio Jenkins - Deceased)
LL
Long Live
MOB MTF NEAT NLMB OMT
Money over Bitches More than Family
Driftwood Gang Members
Neena Food
9mm Ammo
Never Leave My Brothers Only the Money Team
Opps / FTO
Opposition referring to rival gang / "Fuck the Other Opps"
OTF OTX
Only The Family Off the Xanax
Pack(s)/Packed
Selling drugs / Murder
RDG
Run Down Gang
RoadRunna
Dialer Savage
Sav
Shiesty Slumpin’
“No Face No Case” or short for ski mask
Reference to killing
17
SLATT Steppa SYLHA Trappin' WLATT WTW
Slime Love All The Time Respected by Gang Members Support Your Local Hell’s Angels
Cooking or Selling Drugs Wass Love All The Time
What's The Word Young Slime Love
YSL
Additional Internet Lingo/Slang
LINGO
TRANSLATION
LINGO
TRANSLATION
2 man
Molly Mood
Double Date
MDMA
AMA
Ask me anything Age/Sex/Location At the moment
Relatable
ASL
NBD NM
No big deal
ATM
Not much/Nothing much
Bet
No Cap
I agree
No Lie
BF/GF
Noob
Boyfriend/Girlfriend Best friend forever
Inexperienced No problem
BFF
NP
A good hit, something you enjoy
Bop
NVM
Never mind
Bot
OMW
Cannot be trusted
On my way
Onomatopoeia when something bad happens
BTW
Oof
By the way
Something is good or amazing
Bussin
POV
Point of view
Cancelled
PPL
Bad publicity
People
Cray
Pressed
Crazy
Annoyed/Angry
To be locked down in a relationship
Cuffed Cyber Dead
A texting term for crying
Rizz/Rizzler
Sex online
To charm and woo a person
RN
Funny/Unbelievable
Right now
Deada**
Roasted
Being serious
To be dissed
Deets DGAF
RT
Details
Retweet
Salty
Don’t give a f*** Direct message Down To F***
Being upset over nothing
DM DTF
Scoom/Scoomer
Shooting/Shooter Picture of yourself
Selfie
Emo Extra
Sending Me
Emotional
Something that is very funny
SH
Over-the-top
Self-Harm
F4F
Shade
Follow for follow
Disrespectful manner
Faded
Shook
Drunk/Intoxicated
Shocked/Surprised
18
Forcefully deriving any unknown property from its rightful owner
Fanum Tax
Sick
Crazy/Awesome
Fav/Fave
Sigma
Favorite
“Alpha Male”
Fierce
Simping
Awesome/Positive Spirit A secondary social media account
To have a crush on someone
Finsta/Spams
Slay
Succeed
Fire
Snack/Meal
Cool/Awesome
An attractive person
Fit
Snap Snipe Squad
Outfit
Snapchat
Flex FML FWB
Showing off F*** my life
Took a photo
Group of friends
Stan STFU
Friends with benefits
A crazed fan
GG
Good game
Shut the f*** up
Go-Off/Pop-Off
Stoked
To hype someone up
Excited
Social media feature where you can add photos/videos that are viewable for 24 hours
GTFO
Story
Get the f*** out
GTG/G2G
Sus
Got to go
Suspicious
Being or having something cool
HBD HBU Hella
Swag
Happy Birthday
Taking a L
How about you
Taking a loss To be honest
TBH
A lot/really
HundoP
100% sure about something Tea
Gossip
A sexualized term for a desirable body
IDC
Thicc
I don’t care
A synonym for someone who is sexually eager
IDK
Thirsty
I don’t know
IG
Tho
Instagram I love you
Though
ILY/ILU
Troll TTYL
Internet bully Talk to you later Trigger Warning
IMO IMU
In my opinion
TW
I miss you
Connecting someone or something's look or vibe with an ironic connotation
It’s Giving
TXT
Text
JK
VSCO Girl
Just kidding
Girls that use VSCO
KMS/KYS
W/E
Kill myself/Kill yourself
Whatever
Lit
WDYM
Cool/Awesome Laughing out loud
What do you mean
LOL
Weak
Amused
Low-Key Maxxing
Wig
Quiet/Modest
Cool/Awesome
Improve one’s physical appearance
WYA
Where are you at?
19
To discard an item at a high velocity
Merch
Yeet
Merchandise
Face Exercise to improve Jawline
Mewing
YOLO
You only live once
MOFO
Mother f*****
20
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