8️⃣
keycap: 8
Unicode: 0038 FE0F 20E3
Description
A character that combines the digit Zero (0) with the Variation Selector-16 (VS16) to ensure emoji presentation, followed by the Combining Enclosing Keycap.
Group:
Symbols > keycap
Status:
fully-qualified
Emotion:
Neutral, as it represents a number. The keycap often implies emphasis, a selection, or a numerical sequence.
Backstory
The combining enclosing keycap (U+20E3) was introduced in Unicode 1.1 (1993). When combined with digits and an emoji variation selector, it creates the familiar numbered keycap emoji used across many platforms.
Usage Examples
- As part of a numbered list: 'Here are the options: ① Take out the trash, ② Wash the dishes, ③ Feed the cat.'
- To indicate a choice: 'Please select option ① for English.'
- In gaming: 'Press ① to continue.'
- Emphasizing a number: 'This is the first place! ①'
Cultural Differences
Western culture:
Often used for lists, selections, or to highlight a numerical point.
East Asian culture:
Similar usage to Western culture, but the keycap style might sometimes appear in more stylized or gaming-related contexts.