A human skull above two crossed bones. It is the classic symbol for poison, deadly danger, pirates, or death.
People use ☠️ as a dramatic warning or to say something was disastrous, brutal, or figuratively deadly. Online, it can also mean "I am dead from laughing," much like 💀, though ☠️ often feels more theatrical, hazardous, or pirate-coded.
How it looks in real messages
Do not touch the mystery container in the fridge ☠️
That workout nearly finished me ☠️
His reply took me out ☠️
Common combos
☠️☣️: Toxic, contaminated, or seriously dangerous.
☠️🏴☠️: Pirates, piracy, or a dramatic high-seas threat.