play or pause button
Unicode: 23EF
Description
A square button with a double right-pointing triangle symbol, typically used to indicate the 'Fast-Forward' function.
Group:
Symbols > av-symbol
Status:
unqualified
Emotion:
Not associated with an emotion, but signifies control, progression, or impatience when used metaphorically.
Backstory
The fast-forward symbol (double triangle) has been a standard icon on electronic media players (VCRs, cassette players, CD players) for decades. Its inclusion in Unicode (23EF: Black Medium Right-Pointing Triangle with Double Vertical Bar) and as an emoji reflects its enduring recognition as a control mechanism in digital interfaces. It's part of the 'Miscellaneous Symbols and Pictographs' block.
Usage Examples
- To skip to the next part of a podcast: 'Let's just fast-forward ⏩ to the good part.'
- Indicating a desire to speed up time: 'Wish I could fast-forward ⏩ through this Monday.'
- As an instruction in a UI: 'Tap ⏩ to advance the slideshow.'
- In a metaphorical sense about progress: 'Our project is moving so fast ⏩!'
Cultural Differences
Western culture:
Universally recognized as a playback control symbol for fast-forwarding audio or video.
East Asian culture:
Also universally recognized for its primary function in media playback, with no significant cultural differences.