worm
What does worm mean?
The πͺ± worm emoji depicts a classic, segmented earthworm, typically colored in shades of pink or brown and shown in a wriggling, curved, or coiled position. Its primary meaning centers around nature, soil, and the outdoors, making it a staple symbol for gardening, composting, and rainy days when worms famously surface. It is also frequently used to represent fishing bait or general creepy-crawlies in the animal kingdom. In digital communication, the worm emoji often pops up in conversations about planting seasons, agriculture, and eco-friendly practices. You might also spot it alongside bird emojis to reference the idiom "the early bird catches the worm," or paired with a fishing rod to talk about a weekend trip to the lake. During the Halloween season, it adds a touch of gross-out factor to spooky messages about decay, graveyards, or zombies.
Slang & Modern Usage
In internet slang, the πͺ± emoji is most famously tied to the viral relationship meme, "Would you still love me if I was a worm?" Partners use the emoji to jokingly text this absurd hypothetical to their significant others to gauge their loyalty and affection. It has also become a shorthand for "brain worms," a popular internet term used to describe someone whose worldview has been warped by spending too much time online or obsessing over niche digital drama. Beyond relationship tests and internet addiction, the worm emoji is frequently used to call someone a "worm"βmeaning sneaky, spineless, or untrustworthy. Pop culture fans also deploy it to represent the massive sandworms from the Dune franchise, while avid readers use it alongside a book emoji to label themselves as "bookworms."
Emoji Combos
Platform Differences
Across platforms, the worm varies in shape and color. Apple and Samsung feature bright pink worms coiled in an 'S' or 'U' shape, while Google and Microsoft opt for earthier brown tones with wavy, wriggling postures.
Technical Information
| Unicode | U+1FAB1 |
| HTML Entity | 🪱 |
| CSS | \1FAB1 |
| JavaScript | \u{1FAB1} |
| Unicode Version | Unicode 13 |
| Status | Fully-qualified |