If you’ve missed the buzz around Adolescence — a gripping new four-part UK-based Netflix series — it’s time to catch up. The show dives into the dark side of teenage life in the digital age, and it had us reflecting on just how rapidly social media language is evolving — often in ways that leave parents, educators, and marketers scrambling to keep up.
Without giving too much away (because yes, you should watch it), one of the most eye-opening aspects is the way the series unpacks the meaning behind certain emojis — and how they’re being used in online subcultures, particularly among teens and young men.
Here are just a few examples explored in the show:
- 💊 or 🔴 – Referred to as being “red-pilled,” this emoji signals someone who believes they’ve uncovered the “truth” through internet rabbit holes. Often linked with radicalised, hyper-masculine worldviews.
- 💊💥 – A more extreme version of the above, typically associated with incel culture (short for “involuntarily celibate”).
- 🫘 – Yes, that’s a kidney bean. It’s used as a subtle identifier within some incel communities.
- 💯 – Commonly tied to the (debunked) “80/20 rule,” suggesting that 80% of women are only interested in 20% of men — a narrative pushed by certain online personalities and podcast hosts.
And even more subtle shifts in emoji use show how emotional expression is evolving:
- ❤️ = Love
- 💜 = Sexual interest
- 💛 = Curiosity or casual flirtation
- 🧡 = Reassurance or comfort
- 💖 = Emotional connection without sexual intent
What This Tells Us About Social Media Today
It’s easy to dismiss this as just another layer of internet slang, but that would be a mistake.
It’s hard to find a surface, page or space that doesn’t have words written on it to sell or inform. In the digital world, it is no different, except we’re seeing just how rapidly ideas can spread. Emojis, abbreviations, hashtags, and even colour choices are loaded with layered meanings that shape identity, culture, and connection — especially for younger audiences. If you’re not keeping up with the changes, it can feel like you’re always two steps behind in understanding the world our children are growing up in.
In Adolescence, the consequences are tragic and extreme. But what stands out most is how subtle the warning signs are — often hidden in plain sight on screens, in DMs, or in comment sections.
Why This Matters to Marketers
As part of our latest content series, “Social Media Lingo You (Probably) Missed,” we’re diving into how online language is shifting — and what it means for brands trying to stay relevant, responsible, and in touch with the next generation.
While keeping up with every new slang term or emoji trend is impossible, we do the heavy lifting to bring you the ones that matter — the ones shaping real conversations and communities online.
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