Are there any emojis that you are confused by? The latest smart phones contain over 200 emojis.
Autosuggested emojis 😎
Depending on your phone settings, you may see emojis suggested when you compose a text or email. I'm not Australian, but as an Atlassian the Aussie talk has grown on me a bit. I was always confused by the odd emoji that appeared when typing the word "mate". I thought it was a coconut juice drink or something.
Mate is a super common word which means friend. Example: "G'day, mate!"
So, what the heck is that thing?
Understanding the mate emoji
It wasn't until I visited the incredible country of Argentina that I discovered the meaning of the coconut looking container.
Here is the definition from Emojipedia:
Mate is a caffeinated beverage popular in many South American countries. Green in color (from a key ingredient: the dried leaves of yerba mate) and consumed via a metal straw.
This drink is commonly referred to as yerba mate in English, and sometimes spelled maté (to distinguish from a mate, as in friend).
It is important to note that maté refers to the vessel, whereas the beverage (or ingredients) are the yerba. It is pronounced "maw-tay"; the accent helps.
Learning about maté
Yerba Mate isn't just a drink in Argentina.. it's a culture. Once you notice it, you will realize that people everywhere in those countries are enjoying their Yerba Mate. Locals have special carrying cases to hold their maté and thermos with hot water. People drink Yerba Mate day and night... in the park, on the bus, and even in the airport! It is common for couples to share a maté and pour fresh hot water for one another.
Finding maté
The funny thing is that it is really difficult to find cafes that offer mate. It is a personal thing. Gas stations literally have hot water dispensers by the gas pumps and bags of yerba in the store, but you need your own maté!
While visiting Bariloche (highly recommended), my partner and I did a maté Airbnb Experience which is basically a tour.
We learned a lot during our maté session. We learned that mates are very personal and everyone has their own preferences. We were also told that Uruguayans typically have larger mates than Argentinians. People in southern Brazil enjoy Yerba Mate as well.
A lot of yerba is grown in the Misiones area of South America which has more of a jungle environment. It is more bitter than tea you might be used to. Drinking it has many health benefits, including suppressing your appetite because it is filling. Argentina has a very different meal schedule than the US but that's another story.
At any rate, there is a lot to learn about maté. I'm sure there are some folks in the Community that might correct me and add more information - I'm still learning!
Emojis are international
Who knew there was so much to learn about one emoji?! A thing I thought was a coconut is an important aspect of daily life for many people.
As the world becomes more connected through technology, it is exciting that we are exposed to different cultures through emojis.
Share your mystery emoji
Have you had a similar experience?
What emojis do you find mysterious?
What emojis have you learned the meaning of recently?
Thanks for reading and have a fun Friday!
