Becherovka, Jagr, and rohlík: Meet the new Czemoji

Move over smileys. From Zeman to kolač to, yes, socks in sandals, a new set of Czech-themed emoji is currently enjoying Internet fame. 

The brainchild of designer Soňa Juríková, “Czemoji” emerged from her work in the Typolaba at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava. “The first Czemoji came mainly from the most famous stereotypes (socks in sandals, etc.),” Juríková writes of her initial inspiration. “I gradually added more and more thematic areas — now there are about 180 Czemoji.” 

Among the Czech icons and iconoclasts featured are Andrej Babiš, Miloš Zeman, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, Václav Havel, and Jaromir Jágr. Czech booze and Communist-era soft drinks, beloved name brands, and classic baked goods are also given an emoji makeover.

In fact, it’s hard to believe that there’s any aspect of the Czech cultural experience (mushrooms, cottages, cartoon characters, check, check, check) left untouched. But Juríková plans to expand the set, calling Czech culture “incredibly visually rich,” and saying that “the set can grow indefinitely.”

In a country that loves its political commentary as well as debating stereotypes and current events, there is something here for every side of the political divide — even a subversive pair of red underpants and a tiny Tomio Okamura. 

According to the designer’s website, the implementation of Czemoji that can actually be used during texting and chatting is currently in the works. At the moment, Juríková’s Czemoji are only in the graphic design phase.

A recent study found that Czechs most typically send positive emoji, the most popular used in the Czech Republic being “face with tears of joy.” Heart emoji and heart-eyes emoji are the second-and-third most used, though if this new compendium of Czechness has anything to say about it, that could all change in the blink of an eidam.