If you’ve ever used your phone to send money to a friend, you probably know the emoji shorthand. Pizza for dinner, a coffee cup for that latte, or a martini to cover cocktails after work.
What may surprise you is that your friends do not just see these payment messages—they’re being tracked, and companies are using them to learn more about your dining and spending habits.
CashApp, one of the most popular digital wallet services, recently released its first-ever trend report, “That’s Money.” This 2024 report reveals how Americans use emojis and phrases when paying each other, highlighting the cultural trends and consumer behaviors shaping today’s digital economy.
It turns out that every emoji and note attached to a CashApp payment tells a bigger story. These little digital symbols offer insight into how Americans communicate, spend money, and even eat.
Let’s dive into what CashApp’s report discovered.
Emoji Payments Are More Than Just Fun They Tell a Story
In today’s cashless world, where digital payments are becoming the norm, CashApp has been tracking this emoji-based payment behavior for years. Since at least 2019, the app has monitored trends in how users label transactions with everything from food references to pop culture mentions.
In this year’s report, which is their first public release, CashApp analyzed the data by generation, showing the differences between Gen Z (ages 18-29), Millennials (ages 30-44), Gen X (ages 45-59), and Boomers (60+).
What they found is fascinating, particularly in the areas of dining and food. Whether paying for a quick bite or a special treat, how we label these transactions with emojis and phrases paints a clear picture of what’s important to us.
Everyday Indulgences “Sweet Little Treats” Are on the Rise
One major trend CashApp uncovered is our collective embrace of everyday indulgences. Phrases like “sweet little treat” have surged by 500% over the past year, indicating that people increasingly treat themselves to small rewards throughout the day.
Similar phrases, such as “sweet treat” and “little treat,” have also seen significant jumps, increasing by 349% and 170%, respectively.
Perhaps the most surprising trend is the rise of the phrase “girl dinner.” This term, which was almost non-existent last year, saw an 8,000% increase in mentions in 2023.
Simple, snack-like meals—coined as “girl dinner”—seem to have become a big part of our eating habits, especially for younger generations.
Beverage Preferences Coffee, Matcha, and Mocktails
Beverages also play a significant role in how people label their CashApp payments. Mentions of popular drinks like “matcha” and “coffee” each rose by 28% over the past year, showing that caffeine is still a beloved part of our daily routine.
However, the rise of more niche beverages has caught attention too. For example, mentions of “espresso martini” shot up by 89%, with Gen Z leading the charge in ordering these caffeinated cocktails more than their millennial counterparts.
On the other side of the spectrum, the report also highlights a growing interest in non-alcoholic options. Mentions of “mocktails” have increased by 500% over the past four years, with Gen Z leading the way in the sober-curious movement.
This reflects a shift in how younger generations are approaching social drinking, with many opting for alcohol-free alternatives.
Food Dominates Cash App Payments
According to CashApp’s data, food is the most frequently mentioned descriptor in payment notes. It ranks as the number one term used, followed by “gas,” “love,” “thanks,” and “happy.”
These top mentions show that food is a central part of spending and communicating, reinforcing that sharing meals (or paying for them) is a key part of social interaction.
Interestingly, while food tops the list, other specific meals like “lunch” only ranked at number 11. “Breakfast” and dinner didn’t make the top 15. This could suggest that when we pay for food, we are more likely to use general terms like “food” rather than labeling specific meals.
Regional Emoji Trends California Loves Tacos, New York Feels the Struggle
The way people use emojis also varies depending on where they live. The report found that California and New York residents, two of the most populous states, use emojis differently when communicating through CashApp.
Californians seem to have food on their minds. The top two emojis used by people in the Golden State are tacos and beer, highlighting the state’s love for casual dining and social drinks. On the other hand, New Yorkers have a different approach.
The most common emojis in New York are the crying face and the taxicab. These symbols seem to reflect the hustle and struggle often associated with life in the big city.
What We Can Learn from Cash App’s Emoji Data
So, why does any of this matter? Every transaction we make is a piece of data in today’s digital-first economy. And that data can tell stories about what’s happening culturally.
Companies like CashApp are beginning to analyze this information to understand consumer behavior and offer insights into trends that influence everything from marketing strategies to product development.
For example, the rise in mocktail mentions may signal to beverage companies a growing demand for alcohol-free options. Meanwhile, the spike in “sweet little treat” mentions could inspire restaurants and cafes to offer more small indulgences on their menus.
Conclusion
CashApp’s That’s Money” trend report offers a fascinating look into how our digital lives are shaped by something as simple as emojis and phrases in payment notes. By analyzing these seemingly small interactions, CashApp has identified dining, drinking, and overall spending trends.
As we move forward into 2024, these trends will likely continue to evolve. The next time you send money to a friend for coffee or dinner, consider how your emoji might be part of a larger story about how we all live, eat, and connect in this digital age.
After all, in a world where every emoji counts, even the simplest payments are more than just transactions—they reflect our shared experiences.
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