Interpreting and Translating Emojis

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).

1

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

2

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

3

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

6

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

7

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)

9

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.

10

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

qq

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

21

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24

www.saferschoolstogether.com

Powered by