👈 Backhand Index Pointing Left Emoji Meaning
The Backhand Index Pointing Left emoji depicts a hand pointing its index finger to the left. It is used to draw attention to previous text, refer back to a prior point, or pair with the right-pointing finger (👉👈) to form the viral 'shy' gesture.
Chat examples
Agreement / Pointing Back:
Person A: We should really prioritize fixing the website bugs today.
Person B: 👈 Exactly this. I second that idea.
Shy / Nervous (Slang):
Person A: I have a tiny favor to ask 👉👈
Person B: Uh oh. What do you need?
Navigation:
Person A: Where is the submit button?
Person B: It is right next to the text box 👈
How people use this emoji
- I completely agree with this statement 👈
- Could you possibly help me with something? 👉👈
- 👈 Click here to go back to the homepage
Fun fact
While the right-pointing finger is used to highlight links coming up next, the left-pointing finger is frequently used in comment sections to point at the profile picture or username of the person who just spoke!
Frequently asked questions
What does the 👈 Pointing Left emoji mean?
It is used to direct attention to the left, point back at a previous statement, or form the 'shy' finger-twiddling gesture.
What does 👉👈 mean?
This is internet slang for feeling shy, nervous, or bashful. It visually mimics twiddling your fingers together.
Why do people comment 👈 on social media?
In platforms where the username or profile picture appears to the left of the comment, users type 👈 to literally point at themselves or at the person they are replying to.
Can 👈 mean 'swipe left'?
Yes! In modern dating app culture, pointing left means 'swipe left' (to reject or say no to someone).
Is the 👈 emoji used for emphasis?
Absolutely. Putting it at the end of a strong statement is a way of saying 'Look at what I just said.'
When was the pointing left emoji added?
It was approved in Unicode 6.0 in 2010.
What emojis pair well with 👈?
Backhand Index Pointing Right 👉 (for the shy gesture), Pleading Face 🥺 (for extreme shyness), and Hundred Points 💯 (for agreeing with a previous statement).
Emoji meaning in detail
The Backhand Index Pointing Left emoji 👈 shows the back of a hand with the index finger extended to the left.
It acts as a digital anchor. By pointing backward (left), it forces the reader to re-evaluate the text or element that just preceded the emoji. It is the perfect tool for digital agreement.
Real-life usage scenarios
Used in the 👉👈 combination to apologize for a small mistake.
Used in forum comment sections to point at another user's post.
Used to say 'Swipe left' regarding dating apps.
How this emoji affects tone and emotion
It adds a supportive, agreeing, or directive tone.
When paired with the right finger, it adds a highly nervous and endearing tone.
Professional vs casual usage
In casual settings, it is a fun tool for slang and agreement.
In professional settings, it is a great way to say 'I agree with the point made above' in a busy Slack channel.
When to use
Use this to agree with the message directly above yours, to guide a user interface, or to complete the viral 'shy' gesture.
When not to use
There is no wrong way to use it! It is a highly practical utility emoji.
Common mistakes and misuse
None!
Unicode and technical information
Unicode name: BACKHAND INDEX POINTING LEFT
Unicode version: Unicode 6.0
Code point: U+1F448
Shortcodes: :point_left:
Platform appearance
Universally recognized. All platforms show the back of the hand pointing left.