A monkey covering its eyes with its hands, symbolizing the concept of speaking no evil.
The 'speak-no-evil monkey' emoji depicts a monkey with its hands over its mouth. It is often used to represent the idea of keeping a secret, refraining from speaking, or choosing not to say anything. This emoji is part of the three wise monkeys concept, which originated from Eastern philosophy, symbolizing the principle of 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.' It conveys a sense of discretion and caution in communication.
Basic Information
Usage Scenario
To indicate someone should keep a secret.
When someone is being tight-lipped about something.
In conversations where someone is advised to stop talking.
To express embarrassment or a desire to avoid discussing a topic.
As a playful way to suggest silence.
Sentiment Analysis
Platform Variations
apple
A monkey with a rounded face and hands covering its mouth, with a light brown color.
android
A more cartoonish monkey with large eyes, covering its mouth with a darker shade.
samsung
A friendly-looking monkey with a round face and a wide smile, covering its mouth.
microsoft
A simple monkey face with a neutral expression, covering its mouth.
Fun Facts
The three wise monkeys concept is often associated with the teachings of Confucius.
In Japanese culture, the three monkeys are often depicted together at temples.
The speak-no-evil monkey emoji is often used humorously in social media conversations.
History
The concept of the three wise monkeys dates back to the 17th century and has been adopted in various cultures as a moral guideline. The emoji was introduced in Unicode 6.0 in 2010.
Cultural Meaning
Globally, the emoji is recognized as a representation of discretion and the moral lesson of avoiding malicious speech. It aligns with the philosophical teachings of the three wise monkeys, which emphasize the importance of control over one’s words and actions.
Usage Stories
The three wise monkeys have been a part of popular culture for centuries, inspiring artworks, literature, and philosophical discussions. The emoji is commonly used in social media to humorously signify when someone is not supposed to share information or to lighten the mood in serious conversations.