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Original poster

SUGGESTION: Idea to replace laugh emoji with something less open to abuse

67 replies

AmethystAnnotation · 25/10/2025 08:37

This was just an idea I had.

The laugh emoji was being abused by posters who used it to laugh sarcastically at serious posts. Instead of having an emoji which is aimed at recognising a post is funny, why not introduce an emoji that recognises the wit of the poster?

This could be a positive icon such as a little trophy, scroll or rosette. It could be used for funny posts but also if a poster suggests a particularly clever answer to a dilemma, or solves a puzzle, identifies a book or item that is being searched for, etc.

Since the aim of the icon would be to say 'you are very witty/clever' I think it would be less effective as a 'sarcastic' reaction but would still allow posters to specifically recognise a post that is funny or clever.

Interested to know if others think this might work and what MNHQ think of the idea.

🏆📜🏵

OP posts:
JaquelineHide · 25/10/2025 17:30

Bring back the laugh reaction!

SprayWhiteDung · 25/10/2025 17:29

I agree; but it would probably still be abused. Anything in a similar context could be used sarcastically - which, again, would be ubderstood as such by the poster who received it privately.

I loved the laugh emoji and used it lots to show gratitude and appreciation for a deliberately witty or hilarious comment, which MNers are so good at; but it's just another example of why we can't have nice things.

One thing I've thought would be useful would be an open-mouthed or eyebrow-raising 'shocked' emoji.

When people are telling stories of when CFs have done their worst to them - or just recounting appaling behaviour that they've observed - it would be handy to have a quick way to agree that, wow, that is shocking, disgraceful behaviour.

Maybe the flowers/support could be appropriate, if it happened recently and/or especially harrowing; but that too can seem overbearing and/or inappropriate when they weren't personally affected, or they sent the CF packing as soon as they royally tried it on.

AliceMaforethought · 25/10/2025 17:22

FlyingSolo16 · 25/10/2025 17:16

Suggestion: grown adults grow up

Hear hear!

AliceMaforethought · 25/10/2025 17:21

Or people could just grow a thicker skin and realise that people are sometimes going to use the laugh emoji in an inappropriate way. People do it all the time on Facebook and they haven't removed their laugh emoji. I think it's pathetic that Mumsnet removed it when they let all kinds of offensive posts stand.

considertheravens · 25/10/2025 17:21

What about 🎉. Meaning 'Woo-hoo, that was a cracker of a post'.

FlyingSolo16 · 25/10/2025 17:19

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 25/10/2025 17:18

This is the second or third thread that you've come on just to be rude. It is noted.

Show quote history

I’m not being rude. Grown adults should be able to cope with a laughing emoji. It’s not that deep

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 25/10/2025 17:18

FlyingSolo16 · 25/10/2025 17:16

Suggestion: grown adults grow up

This is the second or third thread that you've come on just to be rude. It is noted.

FlyingSolo16 · 25/10/2025 17:16

Suggestion: grown adults grow up

Original poster
AmethystAnnotation · 25/10/2025 17:14

BeckyAMumsnet · 25/10/2025 16:17

Thanks @AmethystAnnotation we're always open to suggestions (like the flower reaction) and so will keep watch on this thread.

Thanks, @BeckyAMumsnet Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
AmethystAnnotation · 25/10/2025 17:13

OnlyFangs · 25/10/2025 14:51

I just want the laugh reaction back.

Well, so would I - but it doesn't sound like that's going to happen, so I was trying to think of alternatives that wouldn't be open to abuse.

OP posts:
Sleepyandtiredandlazy · 25/10/2025 17:11

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 25/10/2025 12:05

Not in favour of this.

Id like to see the laugh come back. I thought it was ridiculous that it was taken away.

It wasn't ridiculous at all.

A lot of unpleasant posters caused a lot of distress to other MN users by their misuse if it.

MN existed quite happily for many years without the laugh reaction. It was a short experiment that failed and the site is much much better off without it.

MNHQ
BeckyAMumsnet · 25/10/2025 16:17

Thanks @AmethystAnnotation we're always open to suggestions (like the flower reaction) and so will keep watch on this thread.

OnlyFangs · 25/10/2025 14:51

I just want the laugh reaction back.

EchoedSilence · 25/10/2025 12:07

I'd like the laugh reaction back.

TheCurious0range · 25/10/2025 12:06

I wouldn't give a rosette for something funny. I think it was an overreaction to take away the laugh reaction.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 25/10/2025 12:05

Not in favour of this.

Id like to see the laugh come back. I thought it was ridiculous that it was taken away.

Sleepyandtiredandlazy · 25/10/2025 11:58

I'm sorry but i tend to use the love reaction or the thanks reaction for the purposes you describe.
I don't really see the point of another reaction which would really just duplicate those that are already available.

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