backhand index pointing up
Unicode: 1F446
Description
A raised hand with the index finger pointing upwards. The thumb is typically tucked in, and the other fingers are curled.
Group:
People & Body > hand-single-finger
Status:
fully-qualified
Emotion:
Can express a variety of emotions including pointing attention, indicating 'up', or signifying 'single' (e.g., in sports to indicate 1 point or 1 minute). It can also be used to show agreement or 'that's it'.
Backstory
This emoji was introduced in Unicode 6.0 (2010). It represents the universal gesture of pointing upwards or indicating the number one, rooted in common human interactions.
Usage Examples
- Pointing to the sky: 'Look up! 👆'
- Indicating 'one': 'Only one left! 👆'
- Calling attention to something: 'Check this out 👆'
- Asking a question in a virtual meeting: 'I have a question 👆'
- Confirming: 'Exactly 👆'
Cultural Differences
Western culture:
Commonly used to point to something specific, indicate 'up' or 'above', or signal 'one'. In some contexts, it can represent a question or a request to speak in a group setting.
East Asian culture:
May be used similarly to point or indicate 'one'. In Japan, it can sometimes be used to ask 'me?' or 'Is it me?' when pointing at oneself. In other contexts, it can be used to indicate a leader or 'the first'.