The black heart emoji 🖤, added to the Unicode 9.0 character set in 2016, carries a range of meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Traditionally, it has been linked to negative emotions such as sadness, grief, loss, and mourning. It is often seen as a symbol of melancholy or the end of a relationship. The black color of the heart is associated with heaviness, pain, or a lack of emotion, which is why it stands in contrast to the red heart emoji, which typically symbolizes love and affection.

However, in modern digital communication, the black heart emoji can also convey a sense of resilience or strength, especially when someone has experienced hardship but continues to persist. It may also be used to represent a person who has become emotionally distant or detached due to past trauma.

In addition to expressing sorrow, the black heart is often employed in the context of dark humor, as it can represent a reaction to a morbid or cynical joke. Some people use it as a sign of approval for jokes or posts that are intentionally harsh or provocative.

Ultimately, the black heart emoji has evolved beyond its original negative connotations and is now a versatile symbol. It can express grief, but also style, humor, and even a sense of toughness in the face of adversity.