Dagger emoji 🗡️
The dagger emoji 🗡️ is a short blade used for stabbing, metaphor and fantasy. Here’s what it means, how to use it, and how to copy it.
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What the dagger emoji means
The dagger emoji 🗡️ shows a short, pointed blade with a crossguard and handle — a weapon from medieval and fantasy settings. In Unicode it is formally named “dagger”, and it sits among the tool emoji rather than the weapons, though conversationally it reads as a blade. People use it to signal sharp humour, a verbal jab, or a dramatic ‘betrayal’ moment.
In text, the dagger also echoes the typographic dagger symbol (†) used for footnotes, so the emoji can mark a cutting remark or an aside. Compared to the kitchen knife emoji or sword emoji, it has a theatrical feel when used for a pointed comment without the full weight of a sword.
How people use the dagger emoji
In role-playing games and fantasy chats, 🗡️ stands in for a specific weapon — a dagger rather than a sword, useful for rogues and assassins. Players may write “equip 🗡️” or use it in character sheets. It can also represent a small, hidden blade that fits the stealthy archetype.
In emotional messages, the dagger can represent a sharp pain, a backstabbing, or dark humour. Pair it with a skull to say “deadly”, or with a broken heart for a dramatic split. Because it’s a pointed object, it also works for warnings like “watch your step 🗡️”.
Some people use 🗡️ to mean “cutting ties” or “ending a friendship”. In meme culture, it may appear with a joking threat, as in “don’t test me 🗡️” or “I will fight you with a tiny knife”.
Compare dagger with similar emoji
| Emoji | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| daggerU+1F5E1 U+FE0F | Short stabbing blade, often used metaphorically for sharp remarks or betrayal. | |
| crossed swordsU+2694 U+FE0F | Two crossed blades suggesting battle, conflict or competitive spirit. | |
| axeU+1FA93 | Heavier chopping tool, more rustic or labour-focused. | |
| bow and arrowU+1F3F9 | Ranged weapon, different fighting style from close combat. | |
| shieldU+1F6E1 U+FE0F | Defensive gear, often paired with a weapon. | |
| bombU+1F4A3 | Explosive, used for dramatic impact or threatening humour. |
How to copy and type the dagger emoji
Copy the dagger from the top of this page — just select the emoji and paste it wherever you need it. On most phones, press and hold the emoji to copy; on desktop, right-click and copy. You can also use the copy button if the site provides one.
To type it, open your device’s emoji keyboard and search for “dagger”. Most keyboards have a search bar in the emoji panel. If you need the plain text dagger symbol †, that is a different character from the emoji and not covered here.
Emoji related to the dagger
The dagger sits in a family of blade and tool emoji. The crossed swords ⚔️ feel more ceremonial or competitive, while the axe emoji 🪓 is heavier and more rustic. The bow and arrow emoji 🏹 suggests archery rather than close combat, and the shield emoji 🛡️ pairs naturally as defence. The bomb emoji 💣 adds an explosive alternative, while the hammer emoji 🔨 shares the same tool category but has a different connotation.
See the comparison table on this page for a quick overview of how these emoji differ in meaning and typical use.
Questions people ask
What does the dagger emoji mean?
The dagger emoji 🗡️ represents a short blade used for stabbing. It can signal literal violence in fantasy contexts, or metaphorically a sharp remark, betrayal, or emotional hurt.
How do I type the dagger emoji?
Use your device’s emoji picker and search for “dagger”. Most emoji keyboards include a search bar.
Is the dagger emoji the same as the dagger symbol †?
No. The dagger symbol † is a text character used for footnotes and references. The dagger emoji 🗡️ is a colourful emoji that depicts a weapon, though it can be used for similar ‘cutting’ or annotation purposes in informal writing.
When should I use the dagger emoji?
Use 🗡️ in role-playing games to mark a dagger weapon, in messages about fantasy or medieval topics, or when you want to convey a sharp, backhanded, or dramatic tone. It pairs well with skull or broken heart emoji.
What emoji go well with the dagger?
Common pairings include 🗡️ with 💀 for “deadly”, 🗡️ with 💔 for emotional pain, or 🗡️ with 🛡️ to show attack and defence.
About this guide
Written and maintained by the Emoji Directory editorial team, without ads or sponsorship. Meanings describe how the emoji is commonly used in public posts and messages, not an official definition. Names, code points, versions, keywords and translations come from the Unicode Emoji 18.0 and CLDR data; shortcodes from the gemoji project. Last reviewed . Spotted a mistake or a new usage? Tell us, or read how the directory is made.
