The "Drink" emote is typically used to express thirst, either literal or metaphorical. It's commonly employed when viewers want to indicate they're drinking something themselves, when suggesting the streamer should hydrate, or in reaction to 'thirsty' behavior (being overly eager or desperate). The emote's slightly unsettling appearance also makes it useful for expressing discomfort, awkwardness, or a 'cursed' reaction to something weird happening on stream. It can convey a sense of 'I need a drink after seeing that' in uncomfortable situations.
Origin
The "Drink" emote originates from a close-up photograph of a cat's face taken from below, showing the cat's nose, mouth, and chin in an unusual perspective. This emote became popular on platforms like BetterTTV (BTTV) and 7TV around 2020-2021. The image captures a cat mid-drink or with its mouth slightly open, creating a somewhat unsettling or cursed appearance that fits into the category of 'cursed cat images' that became popular internet memes. The specific upload and widespread adoption occurred during the height of animal reaction emote popularity on Twitch.
When to use
When the streamer or chat members mention drinking or taking a sip of their beverage
During hydration reminders or 'hydrate check' moments in chat
In response to awkward, cringe, or uncomfortable moments that make viewers want to look away
When someone in chat or on stream exhibits 'thirsty' behavior (being overly eager or simping)
As a reaction to cursed or weird content, similar to other 'cursed' emotes
During drinking game segments or when the streamer takes a drink
