Word of the week: emojis

The word of the week has been selected as “emodži” in Slovenia’s Delo newspaper, in collaboration with the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (ZRC SAZU). The term refers to the visual symbols, often called emojis, that convey emotions, moods, or interests through electronic communication. According to the Sprotni slovar slovenskega jezika, which documents new words and meanings in the Slovenian language, “emodži” is defined as “a pictorial symbol expressing (current) emotion, mood, or interest in electronic communication.” While the term is still primarily associated with informal online interactions, its usage is expanding into media, education, and professional discussions regarding the role of icons in verbal communication. The concept of “emodži” originates from Japan, rather than from English, as commonly assumed. The term is derived from the Japanese words e (“picture”) and moji (“character”), meaning “pictographic character” or essentially a pictogram. This distinction highlights how language can evolve independently of cultural assumptions. Although there is a superficial resemblance to the English word “emotion,” this connection is coincidental. The term “emodži” serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple expressions, like a smiley face, can carry complex meanings and reveal unexpected nuances. The increasing presence of “emodži” in public discourse is partly due to the World Emoji Day, celebrated annually on July 17th. This day encourages users worldwide to share their favorite emojis, reinforcing the global significance of these digital symbols. In Slovenia, the growing integration of “emodži” into formal contexts reflects broader trends in how technology shapes modern communication. Educators and researchers are beginning to examine the impact of emojis on linguistic norms, particularly in academic and professional settings. Despite its rising popularity, “emodži” remains classified as a non-standard term in the standard Slovenian dictionary and spelling guide. However, linguists are closely monitoring its usage patterns to determine whether it will become more entrenched in everyday speech. The Sprotni slovar includes terms that have gained traction in contemporary usage but have not yet achieved widespread acceptance in traditional literary contexts. This classification underscores the dynamic nature of language and the ongoing process of lexical evolution. The origins of “emodži” challenge common assumptions about the influence of English on global digital culture. While many believe emojis originated from Western internet culture, they were actually developed in Japan during the late 1990s. The first emoji was created by Shigetaka Kurita in 1999, designed to help users communicate more effectively in mobile phone messaging. These early designs included simple images such as smiling faces, suns, and moons, which laid the foundation for today’s vast emoji libraries. As the use of “emodži” continues to expand beyond casual texting, its role in shaping emotional expression and social interaction becomes increasingly relevant. Researchers are exploring how emojis affect empathy, clarity, and even cross-cultural understanding in digital spaces. In Slovenia, the inclusion of “emodži” as the word of the week signals a growing recognition of its importance in both personal and professional communication. Whether it will eventually be formally accepted in Slovenian literature remains uncertain, but its current status as a widely used and evolving term is undeniable.