Earlier this month, Unicode, the group in charge of reviewing and approving all new emoji proposals, released a beta version, giving us a first look at new emoji. While this beta version won't be finalised until June 2017, when Unicode will release the emoji, the ones that were included have already gone through an extensive approvals process and made the cut. (An initial shortlist was released in November 2016.)
Among the 56 new characters that will be released, if all goes according to plan, there are some common themes. Winter activities have a large presence as do mythical creatures (fairies, wizards, and elves, oh my!). There are plenty of fresh faces, some new people and hand gestures, and some much needed food orders.
In short, these emoji are good — really good. If the timing is the same as last year, most iPhone users will probably need to wait until iOS 11.1 or 11.2 is released in the fall to get their hands on them. But for now, celebrate the fact that, at long last, there is a takeout box in the mix.
Ahead, a first peek at how the new emoji may look. (Note: For most specifically female emoji, there is also a male counterpart, although not all have been included here.)
Star-struck
For use every single time you have a celeb sighting.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Face with raised eyebrow
In other words, the Stephen Colbert emoji.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Exploding head
Mind. Blown.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Crazy face
Case of the crazy eyes.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Face with symbols over mouth
Also known as the STFU face.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Face vomiting
For when Saturday night got a little out of control.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Shushing face
Quiet please.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Face with hand over mouth
Oops I did it again.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Face with monocle
For the extra stuffy person in your life.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Bearded person
Men with facial hair, rejoice! You've got yourselves a representative.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Older adult
Unicode's very PC way of referring to a grandparent.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Child
Raise your hand if you want recess again.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Adult
For general adulting purposes?
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Breast-feeding
Well it's about damn time.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Woman with headscarf
Another emoji that's been missing for far too long.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Woman mage
Not quite Professor McGonagall, but we approve.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Mage
Dumbledore? Where's your wand?
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Fairy
Tinkerbell gets her moment in the spotlight at last.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Man Fairy
This male fairy kind of looks like he's wearing board shorts.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Woman vampire
If only this bloodsucker were around when Twilight was in its prime.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Mermaid
Disney is really getting a big shout-out this round.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Elf
Straight-up Halloween inspiration.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Woman genie
Aladdin lovers, your wish is this emoji's command.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Woman zombie
Two words: Walking Dead.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Woman in steamy room
Basically, your excuse to book a spa day.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Woman climbing
This woman doesn't need any beta — she's on a send-train.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Woman in lotus position
Can we get an om yes?! This should have been on our keyboards years ago.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Love-you gesture
The world really needs this one this year.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Palms up together
Another way of expressing prayer.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Brain
Back to anatomy class?
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Orange heart
There are already red, pink, black, purple, green, and blue hearts, so we might as well have an orange one, too.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Scarf
Layering up (in texts) just got easier.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Gloves
Seriously.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Coat
Enough, Unicode. Is it summer yet?
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Socks
To warm your feet on...Christmas morning?
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Billed cap
Take me out to the ball game.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Zebra
(To the tune of LMFAO's "Shots") Stripes, stripes, stripes!
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Giraffe
Honestly, this guy is just adorable.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Hedgehog
As is this little fella.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Sauropod (i.e. brachiosaurus)
Time for another Jurassic Park sequel.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
T-Rex
Cue the tiny hands jokes.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Cricket
Anyone who sends me this will be deleted from my contacts.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Coconut
I'll take one coconut emoji and a ticket to Cabo, please.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Broccoli
One emoji to please vegetarians.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Cut of meat
And one for the carnivores, too.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Pretzel
Twisted (and salted) to perfection.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Sandwich
One very sad looking desk lunch.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Bowl with spoon
Could be full of oatmeal, Lucky Charms, or chicken noodle soup — it's your call.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Canned food
One tomato soup and grilled cheese, coming right up.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Dumpling
Unicode's beta calls this a dumpling, but some versions make it look more like an empanada. Either way, yum!
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Fortune cookie
Yes, I want to know what that fortune will say, too.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Takeout box
Please be full of General Tso's chicken.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Pie
For those who feel pie is superior to cake, you finally have an emoji version of your sweet treat.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Cup with straw
If this doesn't contain a Slurpee, I'm sending it back.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Chopsticks
Anyone for unagi?
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Flying saucer
Why wasn't this around when Arrival came out?
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Sled
For next winter's snow day adventures.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Curling stone
Yes, curling is an Olympic sport and it may have an emoji to prove it.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
England
England is finally getting its own flag.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Scotland
As is Scotland...
Photo: Emojipedia.org.
Wales
And Wales, with its epic red dragon.
Photo: Emojipedia.org.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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