Monday, March 16, 2026
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Unicode's New Emoji Set Lands in Ballantyne: Bigfoot, Orca, and More

Unicode's new emoji set brings Bigfoot, orcas, ballet dancers, and one thing we can all agree on.

Jack Beckett
Jack Beckett· Staff Writer, Mercury Local LLC
||2 min read

When Local News Goes International

Let's be honest: "new emoji" isn't exactly breaking news for Ballantyne. But if there's one thing our neighborhood keyboard and yours can agree on, it's that that trombone emoji is the real MVP.

Inside the New Unicode 17.0 Lineup

According to the Unicode Consortium's preview, due on devices in spring 2026, here's what to expect:

  • Apple core

  • Ballet dancer

  • Distorted face

  • Fight cloud

  • Hairy creature (aka Bigfoot)

  • Orca

  • Treasure chest

  • Trombone

Why We're Here for the Orca

Sure, a fight cloud sounds dramatic—but have you tried sending an orca emoji mid-email? Suddenly your Gmail is way more majestic.

An Emoji for Every Occasion

  • Birthday? Ballet dancer.

  • When you lose your keys? Treasure chest.

  • When someone tells a tall tale? Hairy creature.

See? It's practically local news—because around here, we'll find a way to emoji-ify everything.

Explore More on Strolling Ballantyne

Feeling curious? Dive into our favorite corners of Ballantyne—even if they're not emoji‑shaped:

  • Events

  • Hospitality

  • People

  • Pets

  • Politics

  • Real Estate

  • Sports

  • CMPD

  • Partners

  • Statewide

  • Charlotte

  • Ballantyne

Partner Spotlight

A big thank‑you to our friends at Hubbard Heating and Cooling, LLC. Joel Martin Hubbard II and team keep our homes cozy—no emoji required.

Share Your Story

Everyone has a story worth sharing—send us your photos and anecdotes at ballantyne@strollmag.com.

Footer Funnies

Emoji-nincerely, Nell "☕+Bagel" Thomas

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Creative Commons License

© 2025 Strolling Ballantyne / The Charlotte Mercury This article, "Unicode's New Emoji Set Lands in Ballantyne: Bigfoot, Orca, and More," by Nell Thomas is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0.

"Unicode's New Emoji Set Lands in Ballantyne: Bigfoot, Orca, and More" by Nell Thomas, Strolling Ballantyne (CC BY-ND 4.0)

Jack Beckett
Jack Beckett

Staff Writer, Mercury Local LLC

Staff writer for Mercury Local covering government, elections, public safety, and development across multiple publications. Beckett has filed more than 600 stories on local policy, crime, zoning, and civic accountability in Connecticut and the Carolinas.

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