A mysterious, fuzzy figure is set to join emoji keyboards worldwide this fall — though its official label may spark debates among mythical creature enthusiasts. Unicode, the nonprofit governing digital character standards, unveiled eight new symbols for its upcoming Unicode 17 release, including a cryptid-inspired “Hairy Creature” emoji that many recognize as North America’s legendary Bigfoot. The update, scheduled for September, will introduce universally accessible icons ranging from musical instruments to surreal visual metaphors.
The decision to avoid naming the shaggy humanoid “Bigfoot” reflects Unicode’s global approach. As tech outlet Engadget noted, the organization prioritizes names with cross-cultural recognition — while “Bigfoot” dominates North American folklore, other regions have distinct terms for similar beings, such as the Himalayas’ Yeti or Australia’s Yowie. The emoji’s neutral terminology allows users worldwide to interpret it through local legends.
Seven additional symbols will debut alongside the creature, curated for broad utility and expressiveness. Practical additions like a trombone and treasure chest aim to fill gaps in digital communication, while playful options like a “Fight Cloud” — depicting a cartoonish dust-up — invite creative use. A distorted face emoji, possibly representing bewilderment or digital glitches, and environmental symbols like an apple core and orca align with trends in ecological awareness. Ballet dancers, presented as a duo, mark Unicode’s ongoing effort to diversify representation in its pictograms.
Notably absent is a previously anticipated landslide emoji, excluded despite being part of early proposals. While no official explanation was given, Unicode’s rigorous approval process typically weighs factors like anticipated usage frequency and design clarity. This year’s selection follows public proposals submitted through the organization’s open review system, where users and institutions nominate ideas for new symbols.
Once adopted by major platforms like iOS and Android, these emojis will enable richer nonverbal communication across messaging apps and social networks. The “Hairy Creature” in particular is expected to fuel humor and storytelling, as users adapt it for jokes about elusive subjects or mythical references. As cultural artifacts, these small symbols increasingly reflect global dialogues — balancing universal recognition with localized meanings in an interconnected digital landscape.
