Emojis are now everywhere – but using them can be a minefield

Born of our craving for nuance, these ubiquitous little icons are now causing confusion themselves

Emojis are right now. Netflix's Adolescence hinges on them. The US national security adviser, Mike Waltz, celebrates bombing Yemen with them. Prince William has a fondness for the aubergine.

Emoji use may seem childish or trite, but it's not a passing fad. It's increasingly a language in its own right and evolving fast. Not so long ago, few would bother searching for an icon when just typing a word is clearer and - crucially - quicker. That was then. Now, more and more people lean on those ubiquitous little icons.