keycap: 8
Unicode: 0038 20E3
Description
A digit eight with a combining enclosing keycap. Due to its unique composition and rare usage, it's not a common single emoji but rather a combination of basic characters.
Group:
Symbols > keycap
Status:
unqualified
Emotion:
As a technical character combination, it doesn't convey an inherent emotion. Its meaning is purely numerical or might be part of an identifier.
Backstory
The digit '8' (U+0038) is a basic ASCII character. The 'combining enclosing keycap' (U+20E3) is a Unicode character introduced to create representations of keys on a keyboard or to enclose other characters in a keycap-like shape. While it can be placed over any character, its common use is with digits 0-9 for 'keycap' emojis. This specific combination is often rendered automatically by systems into a single keycap emoji for '8️⃣'.
Usage Examples
- Used in lists to number items: 'Item 8️⃣:'
- Representing a button on a keypad: 'Press 8️⃣ to continue.'
- In technical documentation referring to a specific key: 'Key 8️⃣ on the numeric pad.'
- As part of a sequence of numbered items or choices: 'Select option 8️⃣.'
Cultural Differences
Western culture:
Seen as a numerical digit '8' possibly with a visual keycap. No significant emotional or cultural difference.
East Asian culture:
Similar to Western culture, primarily recognized as the digit '8'. Numeric meanings might vary (e.g., 'lucky 8' in some contexts), but the keycap doesn't add emotional depth.