Anniversary of World Emoji Day 2025: Popular, Disliked, and Overused Emojis in the United States Unveiled
**Most Popular Emojis in the United States (2025 Survey)**
In a comprehensive survey conducted by Coventry Brands and Ovid Life involving 2,400 Americans across 48 states, the **Face with Tears of Joy (😂)** has been crowned as the nation's favorite emoji[1][2]. The emoji, which was the top pick in 24 states, was chosen as the go-to symbol for expressing amusement by 10% of respondents[1].
Other highly favored emojis include the **'Rolling on the Floor Laughing' (🤣)**, which was the favorite in 11 states, coming in second overall[1][2]. The **'Smiling Face with Smiling Eyes' (😊)** ranked third, valued for adding warmth and a soft touch to messages[1][2]. The **'Face Blowing a Kiss' (😘)** was the most popular in Illinois[1], while the **'Thumbs Up' (👍)** was favored by Rhode Islanders[1]. The **'Red Heart' (❤)** emerged as the leading emoji of affection in Florida[1].
**Least Popular and Most Misunderstood Emojis**
The survey also identified the emojis that Americans dislike most or find confusing. The **Pile of Poo (💩)** was named the least favorite by 11% of respondents, disliked in 35 states[2]. It is seen as unappealing more than humorous[2]. The **OK Hand (👌)** and **Raising Hands (🙌)** are also among the least favored, with meaning muddled by controversial online use and ambiguity, respectively[2]. The **Grimacing Face (😬)** and **Folded Hands (🙏)** are also found to be frequently misunderstood[2].
**Regional and Usage Insights**
The survey highlighted notable regional preferences, with certain emojis dominating in specific states. It also revealed that some emojis are not only unpopular but frequently misunderstood, leading to mixed or negative reactions in digital communication[1][2].
For example, Louisiana is symbolized by an alligator 🐊, Alabama by an elephant to represent the Crimson Tide pride 🐘, and New Jersey and Connecticut by pizza 🍕[1]. California might be symbolized by the Golden Gate Bridge 🌉, the glitz of Hollywood 🎬, and the thrill of surfing 🏄♂[1]. Arizona is often depicted with a cactus 🌵[1].
The survey found that the usage of emojis in professional settings is significantly lower, with only 9% of people using emojis in work-related communications and of them only 8% incorporate them into emails[1]. The **Face with Tears of Joy (😂)** was also found to be the most overused by 20% of respondents[1].
According to the survey, a remarkable 96% of Americans incorporate emojis into their messages[1]. However, 14% of individuals are irritated by responses to serious subjects that include emojis[1]. Nearly 38% of people find the replacement of full words with emojis annoying[1].
The study found that women rate their emoji use and employment higher than men, with a score of 8 out of 10 compared to men's 6.5 out of 10[1]. The **Red Heart (❤)** emoji is the reigning emoji of love in Florida[1].
[1] Coventry Brands and Ovid Life (2025). Nationwide survey of emoji usage and preferences in the United States. [2] Coventry Brands and Ovid Life (2025). Emoji misuse and misinterpretation in the United States.
- Despite the popularity of emojis in expressing emotions in the United States, their use in professional settings, such as emails, remains significantly lower, with only 9% of people incorporating them.
- In California, digital communication often includes emojis symbolizing the Golden Gate Bridge (🌉), the glitz of Hollywood (🎬), and the thrill of surfing (🏄♂).
- The survey revealed that while women rate their emoji use and employment higher than men, some individuals find the replacement of full words with emojis annoying, with nearly 38% of people expressing such sentiments.
- The Face with Tears of Joy (😂) emoji, while the nation's favorite, is also the most overused according to the survey, being used by 20% of respondents.
- India's culture and sports, particularly cricket, have found their way into social-media conversations, with emojis for a cactus (🌵) representing Arizona and an alligator (🐊) symbolizing Louisiana. The technology industry's influence is evident in gadget-related emojis being used everywhere, even in expressions of happiness or affection, such as the Heart (❤) emoji.
