Emoji Power Rankings: January's Top 25

Last Month: 17

The previously unthinkable has come to pass. Smiley Face, the most perenially reliable emoji of them all, almost didn't make the cut this month. If not for some last minute support from ecstatic Seahawks fans and those feeling a dose of schadenfreude following Jusint Beiber's DUI arrest, this emoji may not have even made the list. If Smiley Face doesn't show improvement in short order, this emoji won't have very much to smile about.

Last Month: 24

Angel remains the preferred emoji for those attempting to coyly deny that they were on their worst behavior last night. If the devil was on your shoulder last night, odds are the Angel will be all over your text messages the next morning.

Last Month: Unranked

There are many mysteries in the world of emojis. Perhaps the question that has most plagued emoji scholars is, "Why is the Devil purple?" Why indeed? There are even several red devil emojis for traditionalists, yet the Purple Devil remains the most popular emoji for those up to no good. Though we may never know the complete secret to its popularity, there is no denying the popularity of this purple, pixalated Prince of Darkness.

Last Month: Unranked

Actually building a snowman is a long, boring, cold process. Floating the idea that you should build a snowman via emoji is actually the most enjoyable part of the snowman making process.

Last Month: 10

The Old Faithful of emojis makes yet another appearance on our power rankings this month. There is nothing flashy about the Thumbs Up, but the Thumbs Up remains a go-to emoji for many of America's more prolific texters. Long after many of these flash in the pan emojis are gone, Thumbs Up will likely still be doling out its unique seal of approval.

Last Month: Unranked

In an absolute coup, the Thumbs Down emoji has actually beaten out the Thumbs Up emoji for the first time in the history of these Power Rankings. This is a true David vs. Goliath story. We are actually in the process of working with Bill Simmons to create an ESPN 30 for 30 on the circumstances that led to this incredible upset.

Last Month: Unranked

Recently dubbed the "Justin Beiber Emoji" by tweens and gossip columnists, Blonde Boy makes its first, unexpected appearance on our list this month. Emoji experts are confident that Blonde Boy has only made the list thanks to those looking for shorthand in conversations about Beiber following his DUI arrest. Our Emoji Analytics Team expects Blonde Boy to fade back into obscurity by this time next month.

Last Month: Unranked

If you think it's strange that the bikini emoji is appearing on our list, think again. Late January is the point in winter when people can't help but dream of lounging beachfront after trudging through brownish-white sludget produced by eight snow storm of the season. At this point in winter, there are no more good holidays and the novelty has worn off. There is nothing to do now but curl up in a sweatpants wearing ball and pray for the return of swimsuit season.

Last Month: 16

Though the cold weather has kept many of you from going out and getting hammered every Friday and Saturday night, the Beers emoji holds strong thanks to texted happy hour invitations. Drinks after work are all the more appealing when all you have to look forward to is a cold apartment and Bagel Bites. This emoji has reaped the benefits.

Last Month: Unranked

Finally, men have found any easy way to warn their boys that their girlfriends just got haircuts. As men are naturally oblivious to the hair length and style of females (unles of course, the hair is covering otherwise bare breasts), they need a system to help keep each other out of the dog house for failing to appreciate a lady's new do. If our rankings are any indication, men have finaly found an efficient hair cut smoke signal.

Last Month: Unranked

Sadly, not all love is requited. While the Red Heart is popular this time of year, the Green Heart is a far more common sight. The Green Heart is the ideal emoji for those in the less than ideal situation of being in love with someone who does not love them back. Love is a battlefield, and judging by how many Green Hearts are being passed around via IMessage these days, many of us have been wounded.

Last Month: 14

Raised Fist plummeted in our projected rankings early in the month on the heels of rumors that this emoji has connections to the White Power movement. Several noted social commentators "took back" the emoji by using it in tweets honoring the Civil Rights Movement on Martin Luther King Day, salvaging what was quickly becoming a disastrous month.

Last Month: Unranked

Following a month long hiatus from our rankings, Love Cat returns with a vengeance. Sometimes you are so in love that a human countenance can't adequately express the depth of your feelings. It's time's like these when a digital cat in heat is the only reasonable approximation of the combination of love and fierce lust travelling that tried and true path from your loins to your heart.

Last Month: 5

After making its inagural appearance on our charts last month, it looks like the Wave won't see low tide any time soon. The emoji community can't help but be swept away by this versatile aqua icon.

Last Month: Unranked

Utility usually lands an emoji a spot in these rankings, but sometimes absurdity will get you just as far. We aren't sure under what context you would use this vaguely unsettling emoji, and neither is the emoji using public. The allure of this eerie emoji has landed it on our list even though no one knows how to properly use it besides those who have twin daughters enrolled in dance class.

Last Month: 9

The winter months are always kind to the Fire emoji, as frozen fingered texters have warmth on the mind. Late January in particular has traditionally been a hotspot for Fire, as the figurative flames of love begin to heat up. You pyromaniacs should bask in the glow now, as this emoji's will surely fall down our rankings as the months grow warmer.

Last Month: 18

We are in bleak midwinter folks. Sweatpants, Netflix, and drinking mass quantities are the go to habits of much for the country. All of this weight gaining and alcohol problem developing means that friends will be sending friends ironic congratulations texts in response to messages like "Well, I just marathoned three seasons of Swamp People and ate a case of Butterscotch Krimpets!!! Time to wash it down with Butterscotch Schnapps :-)"

Last Month: 6

Overuse can really hurt an emoji. Laughing Crying Face continues its slow slide down the emoji charts this month, landing at its lowest position to date. Overuse by tweens and drunkards at happy hours has weighed down this once buoyant emoji. Is this the basement for this once powerful emoji or will the slide continue? Only time will tell.

Last Month: Unranked

Much to the chagrin of single twentysomethings everywhere, Christmas through Valentine's Day is engagement season. Every other week, you been receiving another sickeningly cute "Save the Date" in the mail. Those courteous enough to give their friends fair warning about their pending ridiculously expensive destination wedding will send out a text using this very emoji.

Last Month: 8

Crazy Ghost is the preferred way to let the world know you are planning on getting wild. Though many tweeters and texters were tired out from holiday revelry this month, the Crazy Ghost remained the go to for those about to get turnt.

Last Month: 13

With only a few weeks left until Valentine's Day, this is the height of sexting season. Our emoji experts have long noted that the phallic nature of the Eggplant is what keeps it on this list month in and month out. February promises to be a big month for the Eggplant, as even those out there who aren't in a relationship are more likely to be in a lustful mood, which leads to a sticky texting finger (yeah, that was kind of gross, sorry).

Last Month: Unranked

As Valentine's Day approaches, men and women alike are apt to employ any emoji that features a heart. Though there are many great romantic emojis, young bohemian types love the casual affection expressed by Blowing A Kiss. The laid back feeling of this emoji has caught on with the public and helped blow it on up the charts ahead of February 14th.

Last Month: 2

It turns out that emoji users like letting the world know they are giving it their all. After coming out of nowhere to storm the top of the charts last month, the 100 emoji remains perched close to the top for a second consecutive month. Unless, the powers-that-be come out with a 110% emoji, it looks like this expression of perfection will remain a top power rankings selection.

Last Month: 1

In a shocking upset, our reigning champion emoji has been unseated this month. Smiling Poop has enjoyed immense popularity for months, and now there seems to be a bit of backlash. Cutting edge emoji users are looking for new ways to express their dissatisfaction while emoji insiders are left wondering if this emoji will ever again reign supreme. Heavy is the the turtle head that wears the crown.