How Did the Eggplant Emoji Become Our Default Sex Symbol Melongene smiley signifies love and amour ️. The purple vegetable has been historically linked with sensual connotations. The ️️ heart-shaped emoji combined with the eggplant stands for intense emotions. Its multiple connotations make it a flirtatious image. So, next time you send an eggplant emoji, bear in mind the deeper implications associated with affection and longing.