Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Instant messaging service WhatsApp unveiled a new set of emojis, including a "middle finger up yours" in the latest update.
The 'up yours' emoji can be accessed in the hand symbol section of the app.
The latest emoji update also includes a nod to Star Trek with a Vulcan themed salute made popular by the Mr Spock character.
A number of apps on Google Play have attempted to cater to the demand for more adult-themed emojis, but few work as advertised.
The WhatsApp middle finger and Vulcan salute are part of an updated set of emojis and in keeping with policy on the platform, can be used in the standard yellow as well as race-themed identities.
The symbols have made their way into the common vernacular as people increasingly use the graphics to represent how they feel on a platform where visual cues are generally absent from communication.
Social networking giant Facebook recently bought WhatsApp for a record $19bn. The service has 800 million users, about half of Facebook's 1.49 billion users.
- Follow Duncan on Twitter
