PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Arts and Entertainment
Movies
Filmmaking
Animation
Emoticons and Emojis
What Does the CL Emoji 🆑 Mean in Texts or Online? Download Article Trend expert Shayan Faraz explains the meaning of the 🆑 emoji Co-authored by Dan Hickey Reviewed by Candace Gasper
Last Updated: December 15, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article
🆑 Emoji Meaning
|
How It’s Used
|
How to Reply
|
Less Common Meanings
|Show more|Show less X
This article was reviewed by Candace Gasper and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Candace Gasper is a Social Media & Digital Marketing Consultant and the Owner of Digital Candy, a social media agency. With over seven years of professional experience, Candace is an expert in social media and content creation, specializing in working with local businesses to share their narratives and help them expand their reach. Candace received her Bachelor of Science in Merchandising, Apparels, and Textiles from the University of Kentucky. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 22,735 times.
Did the CL emoji 🆑 just pop up on your phone or computer? This symbol isn’t used all that much, so it’s totally valid if you don’t know what it means. We talked to trend expert Shayan Faraz to help us outline everything you need to know about this emoji, from its basic definition to some of its less common alternate meanings. We’ve even included examples of how to sprinkle it into your texts, as well as your Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter posts. The next time you stumble across the 🆑 emoji, you’ll be a bona fide expert!
CL Emoji 🆑 Meaning Explained
Trend expert Shayan Faraz says that the CL emoji 🆑 means to clear or delete something. It’s designed after the red “clear” button on old-school phones and calculators. Send the 🆑 emoji to talk about clearing schedules, clearing the air after an argument, or cleansing yourself of anything from social media to sugar.
Steps
Section 1 of 4:
What does the CL emoji 🆑 mean?
Download Article
The CL emoji 🆑 stands for “clear.” Faraz says, “The 🆑 emoji means ‘clear’ or to delete something.”[1]X Expert Source Shayan FarazTrend ExpertExpert Interview This emoji actually pays homage to old-school flip phones and calculators, which had a red “clear” button used for deleting or clearing content quickly. In its emoji form, the 🆑 symbol represents the same thing—the act of clearing, deleting, or cleansing something.[2]XResearch source
“I feel terrible about our argument earlier, and I just wanted to 🆑 some things up with you. 🙏”
“My schedule is clear for tomorrow! 🆑📅 We should be good for lunch!”
Where did the 🆑 emoji come from? The emoji was approved as part of Unicode 6.0 in 2010 under the name “Squared CL.”[3]XResearch source This was an era when flip phones were going out of style and smartphones were gaining popularity (the first iPhone dropped in 2007), so it made sense to adapt some “old-school” features for the digital age. The 🆑 emoji was added to Emoji 1.0 in 2015.
Meet the wikiHow Expert
Shayan Faraz (or Chum as he’s known online) is a content creator with over 35,000 followers on his TikTok page @chummertok. His videos analyze internet culture and viral trends.
Advertisement Section 2 of 4:
How to Use the CL Emoji 🆑
Download Article
1 Send the 🆑 emoji to make amends for a mistake. Since 🆑 is basically shorthand for the word “clear,” Faraz says it’s a great emoji to use when you’re trying to set the record straight or clear something up.[4]X Expert Source Shayan FarazTrend ExpertExpert Interview
“I’d like to 🆑 the record on this.”
“Can we 🆑 things up? I think I misunderstood what you were saying. 😅”
“Whoops! Didn’t mean to type that LOL 🆑 ”
Tip: Keep in mind that the 🆑 emoji isn’t as popular or well-known as others, so some folks may not understand it right away if you send it to them.
2 Drop a 🆑 emoji to show that something is vacant. Faraz says that people often use the 🆑 emoji to show that they’re clearing their schedules.[5]X Expert Source Shayan FarazTrend ExpertExpert Interview You can also use it to represent any kind of vacancy in your life—like maybe an empty desk opened up next to you in math class, or a great parking spot just appeared at your apartment complex.
“I snagged two tickets to the game next weekend, so 🆑 your schedule!!”
“There’s an open seat next to me if you want it 🆑”
“There are a couple of front-row seats available for the concert next weekend! 🆑 🙌🎶”
3 Highlight a recently-deleted post or message with the 🆑 emoji. Maybe a tweet that you liked this morning is no longer available, or your favorite YouTube channel deleted one of your favorite videos. The 🆑 emoji is a great way to comment on this missing content.
“Darn, I think she deleted her tweet from earlier 🆑 😥”
“I think he 🆑 that post from his Instagram 😔”
4 Use 🆑 to highlight something you’re cleansing in your life. Faraz says that another way to use the 🆑 emoji is to show you’re “making space through getting rid of something.”[6]X Expert Source Shayan FarazTrend ExpertExpert Interview From social media detoxes to lifestyle changes, there are plenty of “cleanses” that people do on a day-to-day basis. If you’re undergoing a radical transformation of your own, highlight the news with the 🆑 emoji![7]XResearch source
“Time to cleanse all this unneeded toxicity from my life! 🆑😤”
“Gonna cleanse my followers list this weekend! 🆑📱 I’m following way too many inactive accounts.”
“Time to 🆑 all this junk off my computer haha 🖥🗑”
“Saturday is my cleaning time. 🆑🗑 Time to organize my room!”
Advertisement Section 3 of 4:
How to Reply to the CL 🆑 Emoji
Download Article
1 Talk things out if someone’s looking to clear the air. Someone might drop the 🆑 emoji in a message to chat about something that’s on their mind. Give the person a chance to share what they’re thinking about, and then offer your own perspective on the situation.
Them: “I wasn’t happy with the way our conversation went at work. Can we 🆑 some things up?”You: “Hey! Thanks so much for reaching out. I’m free to call in a few minutes if that would work for you.”
2 Let someone know if you’d like to take them up on an offer. Maybe your friend invited you to a concert with a few vacant seats left, or your roommate texted you about an open parking spot at your apartment. Shoot over a quick reply so they know if you’re interested or not.
Them: “There are still some open seats at the music festival this weekend if you’re interested! 🙌🎹”You: “Thanks so much for the invite, but I have work this weekend. Have a great time, though! 🧡”
Them: “FYI, there’s a 🆑 parking spot right by the entrance. It’ll probably still be there if you’re heading home soon!”You: “Thanks so much! I’ll keep an eye out 👀”
3 Acknowledge that a post or message was deleted online. If your friend just messaged you about some deleted content, check the account in question to see if you can find the post. Confirm with your friend that you can’t find the post either, or link them to the content if you’re able to find it.
Them: “Did Kayla delete that tweet she made yesterday? 🆑”You: “Yeah, I think so. I can’t find it anywhere 🤔”
Them: “I was going to send you the most hilarious duck TikTok, but I think the OP deleted it 🆑😭”You: “I know exactly what you’re talking about! Lemme grab the link 😄”
4 Offer some moral support to a friend who’s going through a cleanse. Maybe your friend texted you about going on a social media detox, or a friend posted on Twitter about a new, healthy diet they’re trying out. Let them know that you’ve got their back and that you’re proud of them for taking the initiative to make a positive change for themselves.
Them: “Trying a no-sugar cleanse for a month! 🆑 Wish me luck 😰”You: “You’ve got this! The month will be over before you know it 😊”
Them: “Going on a Twitter 🆑 for the next week. See you on the flip side! ✌”You: “Proud of you! Enjoy your me-time 💛”
Advertisement Section 4 of 4:
Less Common Meanings
Download Article
1 “Closed” Chatting with your friends about a possible outing for the weekend? The 🆑 emoji is an easy, succinct way to let someone know what’s available and what’s not.
“Was going to try out the new pizza place after work today, but it was 🆑 🔒”
2 “Can’t lie” “Can’t lie” falls under the same umbrella as slang terms like NGL (not gonna lie) and TBH (to be honest). The 🆑 emoji is perfect to use when you’re trying to keep things unfiltered and brutally honest.[8]XResearch source
“🆑, McDonald’s French Fries are way better than Wendy’s 😝”
“🆑, winter is actually the best season. Spring is killer on my allergies 🤧”
3 “Cool” If someone’s feeling especially lazy, they might send the 🆑 emoji to say “cool” instead of actually spelling it out.[9]XResearch source
Person 1: “Just found out I have a half-day of work tomorrow!”Person 2: “That’s 🆑 I guess”
4 “Craigslist” Nowadays, you can do just about anything on Craigslist, from finding a job to getting free furniture. In some cases, people might use the 🆑 emoji to chat about the latest and greatest that Craigslist has to offer.[10]XResearch source
“Saw an ad for a free couch on 🆑 and I’m kinda tempted to go for it 👀”
“Do you think this 🆑 ad for a free car is too good to be true? 😂”
5 “Chain letter” Remember those old chain letters you’d used to get in your email inbox? Believe it or not, those zany, “pass-this-on-to-20-people” type of emails are still circling around the web.[11]XResearch source Some people might use the 🆑 emoji to chat about a particularly interesting chain letter that popped up in their email.
“I got a 🆑 from my grandma in my inbox this morning, LOL.”
6 YouTube celebrity Caleb Logan In 2015, YouTuber Caleb Logan LeBlanc tragically passed away. Some fans may use 🆑 as an abbreviation for his name to share their continued sadness and support.
“RIP 🆑. You are loved and never forgotten! 😭”
7 Rapper Coi Leray See the 🆑 emoji popping up on Twitter a lot? There’s a good chance you’re seeing supportive posts and content dedicated to Coi Leray, with 🆑 being shorthand for her name.
“🆑 releases her new album this weekend 😍”
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
You Might Also Like
What Does L Mean when Texting? Meaning, Usage, & MoreThe 🤡 Clown Emoji: Meanings, How to Use It, and MoreWhat Does the OK Hand Emoji 👌 Mean? Plus, How To Use It45+ Funny Emoji Combinations That Are Trending on TikTokWhat Does the 😢😭 Crying Emoji Mean?What Do All the Different Hand Emojis Mean?What Does the 🗑️ (Trash Can) Emoji Mean?What Does the Waving Hand 👋 Emoji Really Mean?What Does the 💩 Poop Emoji Mean?What Does the 🤟 (I Love You Emoji) Mean? Plus, How To Use ItWhat Does the 💔 (Broken Heart) Emoji Mean?What Does the 🙌🙏 Two Hands Emoji Mean?What Do the ✅ ✔️ (Check Mark) Emojis Mean & How Do You Use Them?A Complete Guide to 👎 (Thumbs Down Emoji) Advertisement
Reviewed by: Candace Gasper Social Media & Digital Marketing Consultant This article was reviewed by Candace Gasper and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Candace Gasper is a Social Media & Digital Marketing Consultant and the Owner of Digital Candy, a social media agency. With over seven years of professional experience, Candace is an expert in social media and content creation, specializing in working with local businesses to share their narratives and help them expand their reach. Candace received her Bachelor of Science in Merchandising, Apparels, and Textiles from the University of Kentucky. This article has been viewed 22,735 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 5Updated: December 15, 2025 Views: 22,735 Categories: Emoticons and Emojis
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 22,735 times.
Is this article up to date?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Reviewed by: Candace Gasper Social Media & Digital Marketing Consultant Click a star to vote Co-authors: 5Updated: December 15, 2025 Views: 22,735
Quizzes & Games
Emoji TestTake QuizWhat Emoji Am I QuizTake QuizHow Well Do I Know Gen Z Slang QuizTake QuizGuess the Emoji QuizTake QuizAm I Chronically Online QuizTake QuizChat, Am I Cooked QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
What Does L Mean when Texting? Meaning, Usage, & MoreThe 🤡 Clown Emoji: Meanings, How to Use It, and MoreWhat Does the OK Hand Emoji 👌 Mean? Plus, How To Use It45+ Funny Emoji Combinations That Are Trending on TikTok
Featured Articles
21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me Quiz15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More
Trending Articles
Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizHow Much Do I Mog QuizAm I Annoying QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Weird Am I Quiz
Featured Articles
115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)When Will I Get My First Kiss Quiz17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last MinuteHow to Speed Up Your Slow-Performing Mobile DataHow to Get a Nice BodyIce Cream Personality Test
Featured Articles
How toDress for WinterNicknames for Your Girlfriend: 125+ Funny, Sweet & Clever IdeasHow to Give Someone a Great GiftWhat Would My Life At Camp Half-Blood Be Like QuizThe Best Hairstyles for Guys with Big Foreheads22 Best Ideas for Scary (and Funny) Pranks
Watch Articles
How toWrap a Round GiftHow toSteam in an OvenHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaHow toPart Your Hair
Trending Articles
Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How Would My Fandom See Me If I Were a Fictional Character QuizWho's My KPop Lookalike QuizAm I a Furry QuizHow toMake OutThe World's Hardest Riddles (for Kids & Adults)
Quizzes & Games
Finish the Phrase QuizTake QuizWhat Symbol Best Represents Me QuizTake QuizApology Language QuizTake QuizWhich YN Stereotype Are You QuizTake QuizAm I Giving Someone the Ick QuizTake QuizHow Well Do You Know Gen Alpha Slang QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Arts and Entertainment
Movies
Filmmaking
Animation
Emoticons and Emojis
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Home
About wikiHow
Experts
Jobs
Contact Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info
Contribute
Follow Us
×
Keep up with the latest tech with wikiHow's free Tech Help Newsletter
Download Article Trend expert Shayan Faraz explains the meaning of the 🆑 emoji Co-authored by Dan Hickey Reviewed by Candace Gasper 
Advertisement 
Reviewed by: Candace Gasper Social Media & Digital Marketing Consultant This article was reviewed by Candace Gasper and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Candace Gasper is a Social Media & Digital Marketing Consultant and the Owner of Digital Candy, a social media agency. With over seven years of professional experience, Candace is an expert in social media and content creation, specializing in working with local businesses to share their narratives and help them expand their reach. Candace received her Bachelor of Science in Merchandising, Apparels, and Textiles from the University of Kentucky. This article has been viewed 22,735 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 5 Updated: December 15, 2025 Views: 22,735 Categories: Emoticons and Emojis 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
628 
The CL emoji 🆑 stands for “clear.” Faraz says, “The 🆑 emoji means ‘clear’ or to delete something.”[1] This emoji actually pays homage to old-school flip phones and calculators, which had a red “clear” button used for deleting or clearing content quickly. In its emoji form, the 🆑 symbol represents the same thing—the act of clearing, deleting, or cleansing something.[2] 
1 Send the 🆑 emoji to make amends for a mistake. Since 🆑 is basically shorthand for the word “clear,” Faraz says it’s a great emoji to use when you’re trying to set the record straight or clear something up.[4] 
2 Drop a 🆑 emoji to show that something is vacant. Faraz says that people often use the 🆑 emoji to show that they’re clearing their schedules.[5] You can also use it to represent any kind of vacancy in your life—like maybe an empty desk opened up next to you in math class, or a great parking spot just appeared at your apartment complex. 
3 Highlight a recently-deleted post or message with the 🆑 emoji. Maybe a tweet that you liked this morning is no longer available, or your favorite YouTube channel deleted one of your favorite videos. The 🆑 emoji is a great way to comment on this missing content. 
4 Use 🆑 to highlight something you’re cleansing in your life. Faraz says that another way to use the 🆑 emoji is to show you’re “making space through getting rid of something.”[6] From social media detoxes to lifestyle changes, there are plenty of “cleanses” that people do on a day-to-day basis. If you’re undergoing a radical transformation of your own, highlight the news with the 🆑 emoji![7] 
1 Talk things out if someone’s looking to clear the air. Someone might drop the 🆑 emoji in a message to chat about something that’s on their mind. Give the person a chance to share what they’re thinking about, and then offer your own perspective on the situation. 
2 Let someone know if you’d like to take them up on an offer. Maybe your friend invited you to a concert with a few vacant seats left, or your roommate texted you about an open parking spot at your apartment. Shoot over a quick reply so they know if you’re interested or not. 
3 Acknowledge that a post or message was deleted online. If your friend just messaged you about some deleted content, check the account in question to see if you can find the post. Confirm with your friend that you can’t find the post either, or link them to the content if you’re able to find it. 
4 Offer some moral support to a friend who’s going through a cleanse. Maybe your friend texted you about going on a social media detox, or a friend posted on Twitter about a new, healthy diet they’re trying out. Let them know that you’ve got their back and that you’re proud of them for taking the initiative to make a positive change for themselves. 
1 “Closed” Chatting with your friends about a possible outing for the weekend? The 🆑 emoji is an easy, succinct way to let someone know what’s available and what’s not. 
2 “Can’t lie” “Can’t lie” falls under the same umbrella as slang terms like NGL (not gonna lie) and TBH (to be honest). The 🆑 emoji is perfect to use when you’re trying to keep things unfiltered and brutally honest.[8] 
3 “Cool” If someone’s feeling especially lazy, they might send the 🆑 emoji to say “cool” instead of actually spelling it out.[9] 
4 “Craigslist” Nowadays, you can do just about anything on Craigslist, from finding a job to getting free furniture. In some cases, people might use the 🆑 emoji to chat about the latest and greatest that Craigslist has to offer.[10] 
5 “Chain letter” Remember those old chain letters you’d used to get in your email inbox? Believe it or not, those zany, “pass-this-on-to-20-people” type of emails are still circling around the web.[11] Some people might use the 🆑 emoji to chat about a particularly interesting chain letter that popped up in their email. 
6 YouTube celebrity Caleb Logan In 2015, YouTuber Caleb Logan LeBlanc tragically passed away. Some fans may use 🆑 as an abbreviation for his name to share their continued sadness and support. 
7 Rapper Coi Leray See the 🆑 emoji popping up on Twitter a lot? There’s a good chance you’re seeing supportive posts and content dedicated to Coi Leray, with 🆑 being shorthand for her name. 
Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.