call me hand: medium-dark skin tone
Unicode: 1F919 1F3FE
Description
A hand with fingers spread, featuring the thumb, index, and middle fingers extended, and the ring and pinky fingers crossed over the palm. This particular variant has a medium-dark skin tone.
Group:
People & Body > hand-fingers-partial
Status:
fully-qualified
Emotion:
Commonly represents 'call me' or 'shaka' (hang loose) gesture. It can convey friendliness, approval, or a casual greeting. In some contexts, it might also mean 'rock on'. The crossed fingers are less common in general use for this emoji, primarily representing the 'call me' gesture.
Backstory
The 'call me hand' gesture, or less commonly the 'shaka' gesture (due to the pinky and thumb extended), was introduced as part of Unicode 9.0 in 2016. The addition of skin tone modifiers (like 1F3FE for medium-dark skin tone) allows for more diverse representation. Its origin as a 'call me' gesture is widely recognized globally from non-digital communication.
Usage Examples
- To tell someone to call you: 'Call me later! 🤙🏾'
- To express a 'hang loose' or 'shaka' sentiment: 'Aloha, have a good day! 🤙🏾'
- Casual greeting among friends: 'Hey! 🤙🏾'
- Wishing someone well: 'Stay chill! 🤙🏾'
Cultural Differences
Western culture:
Frequently used as 'call me' on the phone, or 'shaka/hang loose' especially in surf or beach culture. Less commonly 'rock on' but possible.
East Asian culture:
Similar 'call me' meaning is recognized. The 'shaka' gesture is also understood in many parts, particularly in contexts influenced by Western popular culture.
Hawaii (Shaka):
The 'shaka' or 'hang loose' gesture is deeply ingrained in Hawaiian culture, signifying friendship, understanding, compassion, and solidarity. It's often used as a greeting or farewell.