The before:2018 imp emoji refers to the older versions of the imp emoji design that appeared on major platforms before 2018. The imp emoji, typically depicted as a mischievous face with horns, is used to represent mischief, rebellion, or sometimes playfully evil behavior. However, emoji designs have changed significantly across platforms over the years. When people search for “before:2018 imp emoji,” they are often looking for the nostalgic or original styles of this emoji that existed prior to the updates in 2018.
In this article, we will examine the meaning of the before:2018 imp emoji, its historical context, why its design changed, and how it is used in conversations, memes, and digital culture.
What Is The Imp Emoji?
The imp emoji is part of the Unicode emoji library and depicts a face with devil horns, often purple or red depending on the platform. It comes in two main variations:
- Smiling Face With Horns – A mischievous or playful version.
- Angry Face With Horns – A more menacing or evil-looking version.
The before:2018 imp emoji refers to the earlier versions of these designs, which were often more cartoonish or aggressive compared to modern, friendlier-looking updates.
History Of The Imp Emoji
The imp emoji was first introduced in Unicode 6.0 in 2010. It quickly became popular as a way to express mischievousness, rebellious humor, or playful evil. Different platforms such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft designed their own versions.
Before 2018, these versions varied greatly:
- Apple’s design had a more menacing grin.
- Google’s design often looked rounder and cartoon-like.
- Microsoft’s design sometimes appeared more serious or intimidating.
After 2018, many of these designs were updated to be softer, friendlier, and less threatening. This change was part of a broader trend of making emojis more approachable for everyday use. That’s why people specifically search for before:2018 imp emoji—they are nostalgic for the old designs.
Why Did The Imp Emoji Change In 2018?
The shift in emoji design was influenced by multiple factors:
- Consistency Across Platforms – Unicode aimed to make emoji experiences more uniform.
- Tone Adjustment – Many users found the older imp emojis too scary or unfriendly for casual conversations.
- Cultural Sensitivity – Softer designs reduced negative connotations linked to demonic imagery.
- Usability – Friendlier versions encouraged more frequent use in lighthearted contexts.
As a result, the modern imp emoji looks less intimidating compared to the before:2018 imp emoji.
Symbolic Meanings Of The Before:2018 Imp Emoji
The older versions carried meanings slightly different from today’s designs. Common symbolic uses included:
- Mischief – Representing playful troublemaking.
- Rebellion – A bold way to show defiance.
- Edgy Humor – Used in darker or sarcastic memes.
- Anger Or Evil – Some designs looked genuinely menacing.
- Nostalgia – Today, people use the term before:2018 imp emoji to recall the older aesthetics.
Common Uses Of The Before:2018 Imp Emoji
1. Memes And Nostalgia Posts
Social media users post images of the before:2018 imp emoji to highlight how emojis used to look and to make jokes about design changes.
2. Gaming And Roleplay
Gamers often use the imp emoji to represent villainous or mischievous characters. The older, scarier designs fit this context better.
3. Chat Conversations
Before 2018, people used the imp emoji more often to show frustration or sarcasm. The newer versions are softer, so the old ones had a stronger impact.
4. Cultural Commentary
Fans and critics of emoji design trends use the before:2018 imp emoji as an example of how digital culture evolves.
5. Custom Stickers And Edits
Some Discord and Telegram users recreate the old imp emoji designs to use them in modern chats.
The Before:2018 Imp Emoji In Meme Culture
Meme communities love comparing the before:2018 imp emoji with the modern versions. Many memes joke about how the older emojis looked “truly evil” while the new ones look “cute” or “too friendly.” These memes often exaggerate the differences to highlight how design shifts can change the tone of digital conversations.
TikTok and Reddit are especially active in reviving the older designs through edits, fan art, and parody content.
Why People Love The Before:2018 Imp Emoji
The nostalgia factor plays a huge role in why people search for the before:2018 imp emoji. Older emoji designs remind users of their early texting experiences, making them feel connected to a past era of digital communication. In addition, the stronger, edgier visuals of the old imp emoji offered a tone that many users feel is missing today.
How To Access The Before:2018 Imp Emoji
Since the designs changed, the older versions are no longer available on current keyboards. However, there are still ways to find them:
- Emoji Archives – Websites that document old emoji designs.
- Image Packs – Fan-made sticker packs for Discord or Telegram.
- Screenshots – Captured images of older designs shared in memes.
- Custom Servers – Gaming and meme communities sometimes preserve old emoji styles.
These resources allow users to continue enjoying the look of the before:2018 imp emoji.
The Future Of The Imp Emoji
The imp emoji will continue to evolve as Unicode and major tech companies update their designs. While the older versions may be gone from official keyboards, they remain alive in meme culture and nostalgia communities. It is unlikely that Unicode will revert to the old style, but users will keep sharing and recreating the before:2018 imp emoji as a way to celebrate digital history.
Conclusion
The before:2018 imp emoji represents more than just an old design—it symbolizes the evolution of digital culture, the balance between playful mischief and darker tones, and the nostalgia that connects people to earlier days of online communication. Whether used in memes, gaming, or cultural discussions, it continues to spark interest and conversation. Even though official platforms have moved on, fans keep the legacy of the before:2018 imp emoji alive in creative and humorous ways.
For more details about emojis, visit EmojiHub at https://emojihub.online/