v2.0

🦛🦛 Hippopotamus Emoji EmojiUnicode: 1F99B

Representation of a hippo.

Released in Introduced as part of Unicode 11.0 in 2018, and added to Emoji 11.0 the same year.

hippopotamushippowild animalmammalafricawaterlargeriver horsezoonature

Meaning and Interpretation

"The 🦛 Hippopotamus emoji depicts a large, semi-aquatic mammal common in Africa. It is often used to represent wild animals in general, as well as specific characteristics of the hippopotamus, such as its size, strength, or connection to water. It can also be used to symbolize sluggishness or laziness due to the hippo's reputation for lying in water for long periods. Additionally, it can evoke themes related to nature, safaris, or exotic animal species."

Symbolism

Strength: Hippopotamuses are powerful animals, known for their immense strength.
Loyalty: In some cultures, the hippopotamus represents loyalty and protection, especially related to its protective behavior toward its young.
Laziness: Due to its leisurely lifestyle, some people use this emoji humorously to symbolize laziness or staying idle in comfort.

Common Usage Scenarios

When discussing wild animals, nature documentaries, or safaris.
To represent large or slow-moving entities—whether talking about animals or jokingly referring to people.
In conversations related to water, swimming, or river habitats.

Usage Examples in Conversation

I just watched the coolest documentary about 🦛 in Africa!

Feeling like a 🦛 today, I don't want to move from the couch 😴.

Look at this cute toy 🦛 I got at the zoo! 🦛

When you're trying to swim but move as slow as a 🦛 😂.

🦛 are so weirdly cute, aren't they?

Usage Guidelines and Etiquette

Use 🦛 to represent actual hippopotamuses or wild animals in general.
Avoid using 🦛 excessively when discussing personal traits unless you're being lighthearted or humorous, as calling someone a hippo can be seen as rude in some contexts.
Pair the 🦛 emoji with other nature-related emojis, such as 🌊 for water or 🦓 for other African wildlife.

Related Emojis

🦏

Rhinoceros

Represents another large, powerful animal often found in similar habitats.

🐘

Elephant

Symbolizes a large and strong mammal, often associated with Africa and safaris.

🐊

Crocodile

Depicts another semi-aquatic wild animal, often found in the same environments as hippopotamuses.

🦓

Zebra

Represents the African savanna, often used with other animal emojis to discuss safaris or wildlife.

🦒

Giraffe

Another common African animal that is frequently spotted on safaris.

🦁

Lion

Often regarded as the 'king' of the animal world, representing powerful, majestic wildlife.

🐢

Turtle

Symbolizes slow movement, much like the 🦛 Hippopotamus can.

🐄

Cow

Represents another large, slow-moving animal and can sometimes be used in farming and agriculture discussions.

🦦

Otter

A playful animal that also spends a lot of time in water, representing aquatic mammals like the 🦛 Hippopotamus.

🌊

Water Wave

Often paired with 🦛 to represent water habitats, lakes, and rivers where hippos live.