What Does the ✊👊 Fist Emoji Mean?

Co-authored by Aly Rusciano Reviewed by Anyah Le Gilmore-Jones

Last Updated: June 7, 2024 Fact Checked

The ✊ (raised fist) and 👊 (oncoming fist) emojis are popping up all over social media, but what do they mean? These powerful and symbolic emojis have a range of meanings. We’ve put together a guide for all of the fist emojis, including the 🤛 (left-facing fist) and 🤜 (right-facing fist) emojis, to help you stay in the know. If you want to add an extra punch to your next text, keep reading to learn what the fist emoji means and how to use it.

Fist Emoji Meaning

The ✊ (raised fist) emoji signifies solidarity, support, and empowerment. The 👊 (oncoming fist) emoji represents a punch or fist-bump greeting. The 🤜 (right-facing fist) emoji and the 🤛 (left-facing fist) emoji also symbolize a punch or fist-bump.

Section 1 of 4:

✊ (Raised Fist) Emoji Meanings and Uses

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1
The ✊ is a symbol of solidarity. Throughout history, the raised fist has represented resistance and unity against oppression. People have been raising their fists against injustice since the 1800s, and the modern take on the symbol holds the same power. Try using a ✊ when making an activist statement, or add a ✊🏿 to your social media bio in support of BLM.^{[1]
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- “All people deserve to love ✊🏳️‍🌈”
- “I can’t be silent anymore. It’s time to take action ✊🏿🖤☮️”
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A ✊ says, “I agree with you.” Whether you are rooting for a friend or making a political statement, the ✊ can represent support and empowerment. If you agree with something, try adding this emoji to the end of your message. You can even add a 🙂 or a 😄 to further express your support.^{[2]
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- “I’m always here for you, bro. No matter what ✊”
- “Power to the people! ✊😄”
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The ✊ represents empowerment and motivation. Some people use this fist emoji when they feel like they’re on top of the world. In this context the ✊ becomes a symbol of strength and self-confidence.^{[3]
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Research source} Think about using a ✊ the next time you feel like fist bumping the air.
- “Guess who just graduated college? ✊🎓”
- “Made it to work without any casualties! ✊”

Section 2 of 4:

👊 (Oncoming Fist) Emoji Meanings and Uses

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The 👊 signifies a punch. This emoji looks like it’s coming right at you head-on and, in the right context, could represent an actual blow. If someone is talking about a fight or using aggressive language, the 👊 is probably being used to say, “I’m going to punch you!” Try using this fist emoji when talking about violence, punching, or even boxing.^{[4]
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- “He said we could take it outside. But I told him we were going to deal with it right here right now 👊😠”
- “Got some good punches in at the gym 👊 You should join me sometime!”
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A 👊 could be a friendly greeting. Have you ever fist-bumped someone in real life? The playful gesture can be used the same way over text with a 👊. Use this fist emoji to say “hello” or when giving someone your approval.^{[5]
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- “I’m Brandon. It’s nice to virtually meet you 👊🙂”
- “That speech was epic, Sally! Right on 👊”

Section 3 of 4:

Other Fist Emoji Meanings and Uses

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The 🤛 can be a fist bump or friendly nudge. Sometimes a friend says a corny joke, and you just want to punch them playfully—the 🤛 works the same way! This fist emoji can be used as a friendly greeting or to playfully nudge a friend when they’re being silly. Try using it along with a 😂 the next time someone’s being silly.^{[6]
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- “Aye! That’s awesome, dude! Give me some knuckle 🤛”
- “You’re such a dork 🤛😂”
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The 🤜 can be used in response to a 🤛. These fist emojis go hand-in-hand as they represent the physical act of giving someone a fist bump. If someone sends you a 🤛, reply with a 🤜, so you don’t leave them hanging.^{[7]
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- “Wouldn’t have been able to do it without you! 🤜”
- “We’re one awesome force to be reckoned with 🤜”

Section 4 of 4:

Common Fist Emoji Pairings

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You can emphasize the meaning of your fist emoji by adding other emojis to your message. From friendly to aggressive, these common fist emoji pairings can work in a variety of situations. Check out these combinations to see how you can amp up your next text:
- 😔👊: Sad but trying to stay cool^{[8]
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- 🤜🤛: Fist bump
- 🙅‍♀️👊: Let’s stop fighting
- 🤜😖🤛: Caught in the middle
- ✂️️📜👊: Rock, paper, scissors
- 🍊🍎🍓👊: Fruit punch
- ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼✊🏻: Black Lives Matter
- 💥🤛 or 💥👊: Powerful punch