Netflix’s new show Adolescence has been a monumental hit, in part due to its sensitive unpacking of the incel plague and the many emojis they use to communicate in the shady areas of the internet.
The harrowing four-part limited series dives head first into the misogynistic online communities by showing just how easy it is for young men to fall into such problematic behaviours and sexist ideology. In a world so rife with Andrew Tates, this show was very much needed.
There has been some slight confusion on Twitter and Reddit about Adolescence, and while the nifty flying camera has been cleared up, some are still shocked at how emojis are being used to convey hidden messages.
“One thing I’ve noticed after watching #StephenGraham #Adolescence is I’m so behind the times! I never knew any behind-the-scenes meanings of emojis amongst the younger generations. Think I’ll just use my 5-6 regulars. If you ain’t watched it you missing out! #5star,” one person said.
With that in mind, here are the incel meanings of the emojis used in Netflix’s Adolescence.
The 100 emoji is a nod to the 80/20 rule
In the show, Adam, the son of Ashley Walters’ D.I. Bascombe, explained how the 100 emoji is a tribute to the 80/20 rule that is prevalent in online incel communities.
“80 per cent of women are attracted to 20 per cent of men. Women, you must trick them because you’ll never get them in a normal way,” he said.
Essentially, it’s the idea that dating is inherently imbalanced in women’s favour. As with a lot of far-right mantras, mottos, and motifs, the 80/20 rule was originally something much different. In reality, it’s actually an economic principle called the Pareto Principle that suggests 80 per cent of consequences come from 20 per cent of causes.
The red pill has a long and confusing history
Again, the red pill was initially something very different and long before it became a calling card for misogynistic men, it was simply a metaphorical device used in questions of morality and ethics. Basically, you’re posed with two options: learn a life-changing truth by taking the red pill or live in happy ignorance with the blue bill. Over the years, we’ve seen it adapted into countless media such as Total Recall, The Matrix, and even Rick and Morty.
“The red pill is like ‘I see the truth.’ It’s a call to action by the manosphere,” Adam said.
“In the manosphere, those who have been ‘red-pilled’ see the world as it really is, understanding the so-called ‘real’ nature of women’s behaviour and dating preferences,” Dr Robert Lawson told The Conversation.
Watched ‘adolescence’ and had no idea what an ‘incel’ or ‘different emojis’ meant. My opinion of it has changed. Can’t believe my naivety although my boys are well adjusted adults so missed this culture
— Alison Lousie (@snook_louise) March 17, 2025
In 2025 the red pill emoji is synonymous with incel culture and the larger black pill movement and there are other emojis that serve as identifiers for the groups. These include the kidney bean emoji, the dynamite emoji, and the coffee bean emoji.
The different coloured hearts all have various meanings
The love heart emojis seem completely innocuous and I’m betting most of us have used them at one time or another. Well, so have incel communities.
Adam told his father: “Red means love, purple horny, yellow ‘I’m interested, are you interested?’, pink ‘I’m interested but not in sex’, orange ‘you’re going to be fine’, it all has a meaning – everything has a meaning.”
Adolescence is on Netflix now. For all the latest Netflix news, drops, quizzes and memes like The Holy Church of Netflix on Facebook.
Featured image credit: Netflix
