The 🤷 shrug emoji expresses confusion, indifference, or “I don’t know” across platforms. It’s easy to use on iPhone, Android, and desktop, whether you want the emoji or the text version.
What Does the Shrug Emoji Mean?
The shrug emoji (🤷) means uncertainty, confusion, indifference, or helplessness. It can also suggest sarcasm or resignation, depending on the context.
Common uses:
- “I guess? 🤷”
- “No idea 🤷”
- “Whatever 🤷”
The tone is casual, often playful.
Origin of the Shrug Emoji (Unicode History)
- Introduced: 2016
- Unicode version: 9.0
- Official name: Person Shrugging
- Variants:
- Male: 🤷♂️ (U+1F937 U+200D U+2642 U+FE0F)
- Female: 🤷♀️ (U+1F937 U+200D U+2640 U+FE0F)
It evolved from the Japanese text-based kaomoji: ¯\\_(ツ)_/¯
Shrug Kaomoji (Text Version)
The shrug text symbol is: ¯\\_(ツ)_/¯
Still widely used in:
- Reddit threads
- Forums
- Meme culture
How to Type ¯\(ツ)/¯ Shrug on Keyboard
On Windows
- Copy-paste directly
- Use tools like AutoHotkey for macros
On macOS
- Use Text Replacement in settings:
- Shortcut:
shrug→¯\\_(ツ)_/¯
- Shortcut:
On iPhone & Android
- Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacement
- Shortcut:
shrug - Phrase:
¯\\_(ツ)_/¯
- Shortcut:
How to Use 🤷 Emoji on Any Device
Android
- Emoji Keyboard > Search “shrug”
iPhone (iOS)
- Emoji Keyboard > People > Shrugging
Windows / Mac
- Windows: Press
Win + .to open the emoji panel - Mac: Press
Ctrl + Cmd + SpaceThen search “shrug”.
Male vs. Female Shrug Emoji
| Emoji | Gender | Unicode | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🤷♂️ | Male | U+1F937 U+200D U+2642 U+FE0F | Man Shrugging |
| 🤷♀️ | Female | U+1F937 U+200D U+2640 U+FE0F | Woman Shrugging |
Shrug Emoji in Pop Culture & Internet Memes
- Popular in memes to express sarcasm
- Common on Reddit, Discord, Twitter
- Featured in celebrity tweets and meme pages
Common Variations and Alternative Emojis
| Emoji | Name | Use Case |
| 🤷 | Neutral Shrug | General confusion/indifference |
| 🙄 | Eye Roll | Sarcasm, annoyance |
| 🤔 | Thinking Face | Deep thought, confusion |
| 😐 | Neutral Face | Disinterest |
| 🤨 | Raised Eyebrow | Skepticism |
Unicode & Technical Details
- Name: Person Shrugging
- Codepoint: U+1F937
- Modifiers: Skin tone, gender variants
- Copy HTML code:
🤷
Copy & Paste Shrug Emoji
🤷 – Person Shrugging
🤷♂️ – Man Shrugging
🤷♀️ – Woman Shrugging
¯\\_(ツ)_/¯ – Shrug Kaomoji
Is Shrug Emoji Unprofessional?
It depends on the context.
OK: Texts, DMs, social media
Avoid in: Business emails, formal chats
Alternatives: “Not sure.” “Still checking.”
Shrug Emoji vs. Shrug Text – Which is Better?
| Type | Pros | Cons |
| Emoji (🤷) | Quick, visual | May not render everywhere |
| Text (¯\(ツ)/¯) | Universally recognized | Requires copy-paste or shortcut |
Now you know exactly how to use the shrug emoji 🤷 or the classic ¯\(ツ)/¯ anywhere. Copy, paste, or type your way to perfect casual replies.
Q1: What does the 🤷 emoji mean in chat?
A: It usually means “I don’t know,” “whatever,” or “not sure.”
Q2: How do I type ¯\(ツ)/¯ on my phone?
A: Use text replacement to assign it to a shortcut like shrug.
Q3: Is there a difference between 🤷♂️ and 🤷♀️?
A: Only gender. Meaning stays the same.
Q4: Can I use shrug emoji in work emails?
A: Not recommended for formal contexts.
Q5: What’s the keyboard shortcut for shrug emoji on Windows?
A: Press Win + . then search “shrug” in the emoji panel.