The cross mark emoji on Whatsapp represents the ability to react to a message with a simple cross or ‘X’ icon. This emoji allows users to react quickly and easily to messages in group chats and individual conversations. The cross mark has become a popular way to acknowledge messages and add humor or lightheartedness to conversations on the platform.
When was the cross mark emoji added to Whatsapp?
The cross mark emoji was added to Whatsapp in October 2017 as part of the app’s emoji reactions feature. This feature allows users to react to a message with an emoji instead of sending a text reply. The cross mark was one of 6 initial emoji reactions added, along with the thumbs up, heart, laughter, surprise, and sad emoji faces.
Since its launch, the cross mark has become one of the most commonly used reactions on Whatsapp. Its simplicity and versatility make it popular for reacting to messages in many different contexts.
What does the cross mark emoji mean on Whatsapp?
The cross mark emoji has multiple meanings and uses on Whatsapp. Here are some of the common ways it is used:
- Acknowledging a message: The cross is often used to simply acknowledge a message has been received and viewed. It signals the user has seen the message but doesn’t need to reply.
- Humor/sarcasm: When reacting to a joke or funny message, the cross emoji can signal laughter or appreciation for the humor. It’s also sometimes used sarcastically.
- Marking something off: The cross can denote ticking something off a list or marking something as complete or resolved.
- Incorrect/disagreement: Reacting with a cross can signal that something in the message is wrong or that the user disagrees with part of the message.
- Deleting/canceling: Since the cross is associated with canceling or deleting something, reacting with it can signal the message should be ignored or deleted.
- Mistake/problem: A cross reaction can highlight an error or problem with part of a message that needs to be addressed.
Additionally, when multiple people react to the same message with crosses, it can take on a collective meaning like the group finding humor in a message or acknowledging a unanimous decision or resolution.
When should you use the cross mark emoji reaction?
Here are some appropriate times to use the cross mark emoji reaction on Whatsapp:
- When you want to subtly acknowledge a message without disrupting the conversation flow with a text reply.
- When reacting to a funny message or meme to signal laughter or appreciation.
- When you receive a message with multiple questions or points and want to acknowledge each one quickly.
- When you want to politely signal disagreement with a point made in a group chat.
- When you want to mark a to-do list item as complete after finishing a task.
- When you want to signal that a certain message should potentially be deleted or ignored.
The cross reaction is perfect for quick, low-effort responses that get across basic reactions and feelings. It can help streamline conversations and cut down on excessive text replies when a simple emoji reaction will do.
When should you avoid using the cross mark emoji reaction?
There are some cases where the cross mark reaction may not be appropriate or could be misinterpreted:
- When reacting to serious messages or having emotional conversations. The cross can come across as flippant or dismissive in sensitive contexts.
- When there might be ambiguity about what the cross reaction means. It’s open to interpretation so consider if a text reply might communicate your meaning better.
- If you need to have a nuanced reaction to a complex message. The cross mark is better suited for simple, low-stakes reactions.
- When responding to professional messages at work. The informality of the cross emoji may not be appropriate for formal business conversations.
- If you are already overusing the cross reaction frequently. Consider mixing up your emoji use so you don’t come to rely on crosses as a default reaction.
Make sure to think before reacting to consider if the cross mark is the right fit for the context and your relationship with the sender. Err on the side of caution in sensitive conversations and situations with potential for misunderstanding.
How do I send the cross mark emoji reaction on Whatsapp?
Sending the cross mark emoji reaction is very easy on Whatsapp!
On iOS devices:
- Tap and hold the message you want to react to.
- Tap the emoji icon that appears.
- Select the cross mark emoji from the emoji picker menu.
On Android devices:
- Long press on the message you want to react to.
- Tap the emoji icon from the pop-up menu.
- Select the cross mark emoji from the emoji picker menu.
In Whatsapp Web:
- Hover over the message you want to react to.
- Click the emoji icon that appears.
- Select the cross mark emoji from the emoji picker menu.
The cross reaction will be immediately sent and visible to all other users in the chat. Others in the conversation can long press your cross reaction to view who sent it or react to it with their own emojis.
Can I change or remove my cross mark emoji reaction?
Yes, it’s easy to modify or remove a cross mark emoji reaction you have sent:
- To change your reaction, simply long press the message again and select a different emoji reaction. Your old reaction will be replaced.
- To remove your reaction entirely, long press the message and tap the cross mark emoji you originally sent to deselect it.
Your previous reactions on a message will always remain visible in the chat history, but changing or removing your reaction will update the current live version visible to all chat members.
What other emoji reactions are available on Whatsapp besides the cross mark?
In addition to the cross mark emoji, Whatsapp has 7 other emoji reactions available:
| Emoji | Name |
|---|---|
| 👍 | Thumbs Up |
| ❤️ | Red Heart |
| 😂 | Face with Tears of Joy |
| 😮 | Face with Open Mouth |
| 😢 | Crying Face |
| 👏 | Clapping Hands |
| 🙏 | Folded Hands |
These emoji reactions allow for a range of responses from positive to negative and humorous to serious. Whatsapp occasionally adds new emoji reactions as well to expand users’ options.
Can I use other emoji besides the standard reactions to react to Whatsapp messages?
Unfortunately, you can only react using the default emoji reactions provided by Whatsapp. There is no option to insert emoji outside the standard set as reactions. This ensures consistency across Whatsapp’s platform and limits reactions to those with clear meanings.
While you can’t react with other emoji, you can still include any emoji in normal chat messages within conversations. The reactions are just limited to those 8 default options.
Why can I only see a few recent reactions on a Whatsapp message?
Whatsapp limits the number of emoji reactions visible on a single message for performance reasons. Only the 6 most recent reactions are shown below the message.
If more than 6 people react to the same message, the older reactions will disappear from view but are still counted in the reaction counter. You can still long press the message to view all previous reactions and who sent them in the reaction info popup.
This system prevents chats from becoming cluttered when many people react to a viral message or meme. It keeps conversations easy to follow while still letting you access a full history of reactions.
Can I react to my own messages with the cross emoji?
Yes, you are able to react to your own Whatsapp messages with emoji, including the cross mark. Some people react to their own messages to amplify the reaction or draw extra attention to the message.
Self-reactions function the same way as reacting to other people’s messages. Simply long press your own message and add the cross reaction using the emoji picker.
Conclusion
The cross mark emoji provides a quick and easy way to respond to Whatsapp messages with minimal effort. Its versatility andFunny Animation Memes Awkward Look Monkey Puppet Gif from tenor.com
When used appropriately, the cross reaction can add humor, acknowledgement, or clarity to conversations through simple emoji responses. But it can also come across negatively if overused or used in the wrong context.
Make sure to think carefully about the implications before reacting with a cross emoji. With proper etiquette, it can help streamline communication and cut down on excessive texting back and forth in Whatsapp chats.