What Does the 👏 Clapping Emoji Mean?

Co-authored by Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: April 25, 2022

Your friend sends you an array of 👏 (clapping hands) emojis—what could they possibly mean? This fun emoji—also called the clap emoji, hand clap emoji, and applause emoji—has a plethora of hand-slapping meanings. But don’t worry! We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to teach you all there is to know about the 👏 (clapping hands) emoji. Keep reading to learn what the clap emoji really means and how to use it.

Section 1 of 3:

👏 (Clapping Hands) Emoji Meanings

1
The 👏 emoji symbolizes applause. Above all else, this emoji is a physical depiction of giving someone a round of applause. You may see a series of clapping hands used to congratulate or express appreciation.^{[1]
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- "The show was PHENOMENAL 👏👏👏"
- "You really are the teacher of the year 👏👏"
2
A 👏 emoji is used to show emphasis. Social media users will put a 👏 in between each word to add a sense of drama or urgency to their comment. Try making a clapping motion in real life to get the full effect of their message.^{[2]
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- "Don't 👏 call 👏 yourself 👏 a 👏 Swiftie 👏 if 👏 you 👏 don't 👏 know 👏 about 👏 the 👏 scarf"
- "Pineapple 👏 on 👏 pizza"
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3
The 👏 emoji can also be used sarcastically. Have you ever given someone a slow clap? Like, you don't want to be rude, but they don't really deserve the praise? A 👏 can work the same way to say, "Yeah. Great job, dude." ^{[3]
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- "Oh, yes. The performance was fantastic 👏🙄"
- "Bravo! 👏 But nobody cares!"

Section 2 of 3:

How to Use the 👏 (Clapping Hands) Emoji

1
When you want to say congratulations: Send a 👏 along with an encouraging message. This is a great way to show support and send positive vibes. The more clapping hands you use, the louder your digital applause will be!
- "You so deserve that award 👏👏"
- "YOU GRADUATED 👏👏👏🥳🥳"
2
When you're proud of someone: Is your friend slaying the game? Send them a 👏 to say you're their biggest fan! Remember, the more clapping hands you send, the louder you'll be.
- "YAS QUEEN WORK IT 👏👏👏👏"
- "You told him who's boss, and I couldn't be more proud 👏😄"
3
When you agree with someone: Add a 👏 to your message to say, "I feel you!" This is a fun and engaging way to tell someone you've got their back and approve of what they've said.
- "Girl, yes! 👏👏 Why is he giving us so much homework?"
- "I couldn't agree more 👏👏👏"
4
When you're being sarcastic: Toss a 🙄 in with your 👏 to say, "Suuuureeee." Start the slow clap with a few clapping hands emojis if they've got you rolling your eyes. They'll get the picture.
- "Wow! So stupid 👏👏"
- "I'm not impressed 🙄👏"
5
When you want to emphasize something: Let the world know you have a very important opinion with a 👏. Adding a few clapping hands in between words in a comment will tell your followers you are serious. Just imagine you're clapping between each syllable IRL—those claps mean something!
- "I 👏 don't 👏 have 👏 time 👏 for 👏 petty 👏 games"
- "P👏E👏R👏I👏O👏D"

Section 3 of 3:

Other Hand Emoji Meanings

There are three other hand emojis on your keyboard. Each hand emoji has a different meaning, and with different skin tones, you can pick the one you resonate with the most! Try pairing them together in one message or using them on their own. Check out these other hand emojis and their meanings:
- 👐 (Open Hands): Used to symbolize a hug or display jazz hands.
- 🙌 (Raising Hands): Used to celebrate success or event.
- 🙏 (Folded Hands): Used to symbolize prayer or a high-five.