Understanding Manosphere Emojis - a guide for parents & educators

Sara Spinks 4 min read

safeguarding children misogyny serious harm

The Netflix mini-series ‘Adolescence’ has sparked widespread discussions about the online spaces young people navigate, particularly the rise of the manosphere and its influence on teenage boys.

Netflix ‘Adolescence’

The series shows how social media, online platforms and gaming forums can expose young boys and men to communities promoting extreme views of masculinity, relationships and gender roles. Although parts of these spaces centre around the ideas of self-improvement and fitness, many dip into misogyny, anti-feminism and toxic masculinity, often cloaking their messages as ‘truths’ about dating and society.

Parents and Educators - Why understanding is important

Parents and educators need to understand how young people engage with these ideologies, as they can present inadvertently in seemingly innocuous digital spaces. Young boys might start encountering manosphere content on sites like TikTok, Reddit, Discord and YouTube, where influencers use humour, memes, and motivational-sounding language to make their perspectives feel empowering or, in some cases, enlightened. Consequently, teenagers are likely to take on these beliefs, not realising the biases or potential harm which lies behind this rhetoric.

In one scene of the drama, the son of the detective tries to explain the meaning of the emojis used in online comments on Instagram. This key scene brings to light the world of ‘Inceldom’, a deep manosphere of misogynistic subculture. The conversation highlights this hidden world of communication, unknown by most adults.

This key feature of manosphere communication uses coded emojis to reinforce certain beliefs, mock opposing views and signal allegiance within these online communities. The symbols frequently appear in memes, comment sections, and group chats, making it difficult for adults to recognise when a young person is actively engaging with manosphere ideologies.

Understanding Common Manosphere Emojis and Their Meanings

To counter this, the guide below explores common manosphere emojis, explains their meanings and how they are used in discussions about masculinity, gender dynamics, and relationships. By understanding these symbols, parents and educators can identify online influences shaping teenagers' attitudes and foster open, informed conversations about digital literacy, gender equality, and critical thinking in the online world.

Common Manosphere Emojis and Their Meanings

In manosphere spaces, emojis are a coded way of expressing belief, reinforcing stereotypes or subtly passing off controversial ideas. Here are some of the most common emojis and their meanings in various manosphere subcultures:

General Manosphere Emojis


(Flexed Biceps): Stands for being a strong, dominant man, often linked to gym culture and the idea of being a ‘high-status’ man.

(Fire): Used to praise someone for agreeing with manosphere beliefs or sharing an opinion that supports them.

(Red Circle): Symbolises ‘red pill’ thinking – the idea that men need to ‘wake up’ to what they see as an unfair system working against them.

(Black Circle): Represents ‘black pill’ beliefs, which say that men who aren’t naturally attractive (so-called ‘Chads’) have no real chance in dating.

(Skull): Used to show extreme hopelessness, especially in incel groups, suggesting they’ve given up on dating.

(Cold Face): Shows emotional detachment, often linked to the idea that men should be tough and avoid showing feelings.

Women and Dating


(Crown): Used to show dominance, often linked to the idea that ‘men are kings.’ Sometimes used to mock men seen as too submissive to women.

(Gorilla): Represents extreme masculinity, sometimes used jokingly to suggest raw strength and dominance.

(Snake): Used to insult men who support feminism or gender equality, calling them traitors.

(Money Bag): Stands for the belief that wealth equals power and makes a man more attractive to women.

(Upside down face): Used sarcastically to mock feminist views or men who don’t follow manosphere beliefs.

Gender and Relationships


(Dress / High Heel): Used to refer to women in a stereotypical or objectifying way.

(Cat Face / Cat): Used as an insult towards women, sometimes implying they are lonely or undesirable.

(Wilted Flower): Suggests a woman is ‘past her prime,’ often used to criticise women over 30 in discussions about dating and relationships.

(Baby Bottle): Used to mock men who are seen as too emotional or dependent on women, often calling them ‘weak’ or ‘beta males.’

(Unicorn): Represents the idea of a ‘perfect’ woman—someone who is submissive, young, and ‘pure,’ according to manosphere beliefs.

Mocking & Insults


(Clown Face): Used to make fun of men who are seen as overly supportive of women, feminism, or progressive ideas.

(Monkey Face): An insult aimed at men who are considered weak or who follow mainstream beliefs without questioning them.

(Clown Face and World): Suggests that society has become ridiculous or ‘broken’ because of feminism and progressive values.

Red Pill and Incel Terms


(Hot Pepper): Sometimes used to describe an attractive woman, but often with a negative meaning, suggesting she is manipulative or dangerous.

(Puzzle Piece): Refers to trying to ‘figure out’ women or understand dating like it’s a game or a code to crack.

(Rocket): Symbolises rising in status, wealth, or power.

(Wolf): Represents ‘lone wolf’ masculinity - rejecting mainstream dating and focusing on independence.

As ‘Adolescence’ so powerfully depicts, teenagers are highly susceptible to online influence, particularly when seeking answers about identity, relationships, and belonging. The manosphere’s appeal lies in its simplistic, rule-based explanations for complex social issues, making it easy for young men to absorb its ideas without questioning their validity.

By recognising manosphere emojis and their coded meanings, parents and educators can:

Identify early signs that a teenager is engaging with harmful online content.
Encourage open conversations about healthy masculinity and relationships.
Promote digital literacy, helping young people critically evaluate online narratives.
Challenge misogynistic and extremist ideas before they become deeply ingrained.

Understanding the symbols and language used in these spaces is not about policing how teenagers communicate but about guiding them towards balanced perspectives and ensuring they are not drawn into extreme or harmful ideologies. By remaining informed and proactive, parents and educators can help young people navigate online spaces safely while fostering respectful, healthy, and inclusive attitudes in the real world.

Sara Spinks

SSS Author & Former Headteacher

23 March 2025