Unicode 17.0, the latest update from the Unicode Consortium, marks the addition of nine new emojis set for release in the fall of 2025. These emojis aim to expand the expressive power of digital communication, introducing symbols that depict a range of emotions, natural disasters, and cultural icons. The Consortium emphasizes the importance of these additions in maintaining the relevance and adaptability of digital language.
Among the new additions is the landslide emoji, which is part of a growing family of natural disaster symbols. It’s intended to convey warning or describe a series of overwhelming events. Another notable emoji is the face that expresses confusion, disbelief, or being overwhelmed, which also appears to resemble a face ready to burst. The Consortium has also introduced an emoji inspired by legendary cryptids such as Sasquatch and Yeti, celebrating the mystery of the deep forest without favoring any specific region.
The treasure chest emoji, representing discovery and reward, and the leviathan emoji, which refers to orcas, are also among the new additions. These additions reflect the growing trend of including more diverse and expressive symbols in digital communication. The Consortium has also included the iconic ‘womp, womp, womp’ sound, captured in a brass instrument emoji, as well as a swirling dust cloud emoji for depicting scuffles in playful conversations.
The new emojis are part of an ongoing effort to make digital communication more expressive and inclusive. The ballerina emoji, available in multiple skin tones, represents the grace and artistry of dance, further emphasizing the Consortium’s commitment to diversity in digital language. These updates highlight how emojis continue to play a significant role in shaping modern digital communication, offering users new ways to convey their messages efficiently and creatively.