The top ten emojis Gen Z are not a fan of include the thumbs up, red heart, OK hand and checkmark emojis.
Well, that's according to a post that's gone viral on social media recently.
The younger generations are apparently pretty uncomfortable with the use of the thumbs up emoji because they feel it's "passive aggressive", reports The Manc.
Emojis are a part of our everyday language as much as real words are nowadays, but just as the generations appear to clash on pretty much anything, it's perhaps not much of a shock that Millennials and Gen Z tend to favour some emojis more than their elders - and it's the thumbs up that's found itself in the firing line this time.
It comes after someone took to the r/Adulting thread on Reddit to confess to being "not adult enough to be comfortable with the thumbs-up emoji reaction," which prompted others to chime in saying they agree.
Another Redditor said they feel it's "really passive-aggressive" in agreement with the post.
"It’s super rude if someone just sends you a thumbs up,” they added, "so I also had a weird time adjusting because my workplace is the same."
Other people said the issue with the thumbs up emoji is down to the fact that it can be confusing as a response to a question, and because it could mean a number of different things - from a simple ‘yes’, to merely a confirmation that someone has received a message.
Young people apparently don't like the thumbs up emoji as its too 'passive aggressive' / Credit: Domingo Alvarez (via Unsplash)
Some even claimed it looks like a "lazy" response to typing out a proper message.
Although it may seem a bit bizarre for emojis to evoke such strong reactions, it's apparently not the first time the younger generations have taken aim at the use of certain emojis, as last year, a survey of 2,000 youngsters by Perspectus Global determined the top 10 emojis Gen Z wants to "cancel".
The red heart emoji, the "Ok" hand, the poo, and the monkey covering its eyes were some of the other emojis to make the unfavourable list.
"With the average Brit sending 76 emojis a week across multiple platforms, it’s clear that these symbols are now a vital part of our daily communication - on both a personal and professional level," the company said at the time the research was published.
"Yet this research indicates the importance of assessing which ones you use.
"Unless you want to be seen as old fashioned, it seems wise to avoid the thumbs up symbol."
Millions of train tickets are currently on sale for just £2 each, as Northern has brought its popular ‘Flash Sale’ back for 2026.
A whopping FOUR MILLION of them, to be exact.
For the last couple of years, the rail operator has made life a little easier for train travellers by giving them the chance to grab one of several million tickets for much cheaper than normal – and now, with the cost of living crisis sadly continuing to make its impact felt, Northern has decided to kick off the autumn season by slashing prices once again.
It means that millions of people will have the opportunity to make a cut-price journey across the north of England before the end of October is out.
With the company’s regular ‘Flash Sales’ having gone onto become a, somewhat, legendary event at this point, it probably comes as no shock that you’ll need to act fast if you want to be in with a chance of get your hands tickets.
Northern’s ‘Flash Sale’ is back for 2026 with millions of train tickets on sale from £2 / Credit: Northern | Wikimedia Commons
Tickets went live today and the sale runs for three days, closing on Friday 4 September – with tickets valid for travel between 9 September and 23 October 2026.
A list of routes where tickets will be available can also be found using the ‘cheap fare finder’ tool on the Northern website here.
“With four million tickets up for grabs, this is one of our biggest Flash Sales yet, and there’s something for everyone,” commented Alex Hornby, who is the Commercial and Customer Director at Northern.
“With millions of tickets available for just £2 each, our Flash Sale will make the railway even more appealing, and we believe it will inspire everyone to explore everything our fantastic region has to offer, from bustling cities to countryside and stunning coastlines.
“Customers will need to book early to avoid disappointment, as once they’re gone, they’re gone.”
Tickets are available to buy on Northern’s app, online, at ticket offices, and on ticket machines at stations managed by Northern.
Leeds cinemas are offering tickets to see big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
Emily Sergeant
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long. Just pass us the popcorn now.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
“We encourage everyone to make the most of the celebration and enjoy a film at Vue.”
National Cinema Weekend returns for 2026 this Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, and you can book tickets on the Vue website here.
The Hoot -
13th October 2022 
