Emphasized emojis, often shown as double exclamation points (!!), are a way to highlight the importance or excitement around a particular message when texting or messaging on an iPhone.
This emoji reaction allows users to respond to texts quickly without having to type out a full reply. It is a fun way for iPhone users to react to messages without typing a text response.
But what exactly does it mean when someone emphasizes your message, and how can you use this feature effectively?
What Does the Emphasized Emoji Mean on iPhone?
The emphasized emoji is one of several Tapback reactions available in the iPhone’s Messages app. Tapbacks allow you to quickly respond to a message with an emoji instead of text.
When you emphasize a message, you are adding a double exclamation point emoji (!!) next to that message. This shows you have seen the message and are reacting with excitement, emphasis, or strong emotion.
Some common ways the emphasized Tapback is used:
- To stress that a message is important
- To show enthusiasm, excitement, or surprise
- As an acknowledgment when no text reply is needed
- To highlight key information in a long message
The emphasized Tapback is open to interpretation. The meaning can vary depending on the context of the conversation. But in general, it signals you want to draw extra attention to that message.
How to Emphasize a Message on iPhone
Emphasizing a message on your iPhone is easy:
- Open the Messages app and navigate to the conversation with the message you want to react to.
- Long press on the message bubble you want to emphasize.
- A menu will pop up with Tapback options. Tap the “Emphasize” icon (!!).
- The emphasized emoji will now appear next to that message.
And that’s it! The person who sent the original message will see the double exclamation point next to their message, indicating you emphasized it.
You can remove a Tapback by long-pressing the message again and selecting the emphasized emoji from the menu.
When Should You Use the Emphasized Emoji?
The emphasized Tapback is handy for adding expressions without typing a long text reply. Here are some appropriate times to use it:
- When you want to acknowledge exciting news or show you noticed an important update.
- To stress agreement or approval for something without writing, “I agree.”
- When you want to enthusiastically endorse an idea or suggestion.
- To indicate urgency or priority on a request or reminder.
- To highlight surprise or amusement at a joke or funny story.
- To show you are paying attention to details during long conversations.
Emphasized Text Meaning in Other Contexts
Outside of iPhone messaging, emphasized text generally refers to words or phrases that are highlighted in some way to draw attention to them. This can be done by making text bold, italicized, underlined, changing the font size, color, or typeface to differentiate it from regular body text.
Emphasis helps guide the reader to notice key points within a document. However, it should be used sparingly, as overusing it can diminish its effectiveness and make text harder to read. Italics or bolding are preferred over underlining for emphasis in most academic and professional writing contexts.
Tips for Using Emphasized Reactions
- Use emphasized Tapbacks in moderation. Overusing them can seem insincere or passive aggressive.
- Be mindful of your tone. Don’t emphasize negative messages or sensitive topics.
- Pair an emphasized Tapback with a text reply when more context is needed.
- Remember, the meaning can change depending on the situation. Make sure it fits the tone of the conversation.
- You can emphasize photos, videos, or articles in addition to text messages.
- Try other Tapbacks too. Love, like, laugh, question mark and thumbs up/down offer more ways to react.
The Bottom Line
The emphasized emoji allows iPhone users to react to messages meaningfully without typing. It conveys excitement, emphasis, and acknowledgment all in one little double exclamation point. Use this fun reaction appropriately to enhance your daily messaging. With the tips above, you’ll be an emphasized Tapback expert quickly.
