periodic reminder that the word “emoji” is a borrowing of a native japanese word, not a reborrowing of an english word! “emoji” comes from 絵文字、a compound of「絵」(え e, “image, picture”) and 文字 (モジ moji, “word”), and is completely unrelated to the English word “emoticon.”
you could say that’s a folk etymoloji
Emoji would not have caught on in the west as a word if it hadn’t had that similarity though
Emojicon
If you are reading this message, you have been exiled to Tasmania.
Duration: Until the end of Tumblr, or six years, whichever comes first.
Reason for Exile: “Emojicon”
Appeals: Standard appeal only.
You have a right to documentation. You may have other rights which are not listed in this document…