Barclays : Show me the MON-EMOJI!

• Barclays creates a set of emoji chains to help bashful Brits talk about money

• Ahead of World Emoji Day on the 17 July, new research reveals that 40 per cent of Britons find talking about money more awkward than discussing relationships or bumping into an ex-partner
• More than 30 per cent would rather be out of pocket than ask for money owed to them, with one in five Britons losing in excess of £100 in the past year due to this reason
• Nearly half (49 per cent) of young people[1] said that emojis can make a conversation less awkward
• Barclays has teamed up with linguistics expert Professor Vyv Evans to create a bespoke set of emoji chains that let Brits express their mon-emo-tions worry free

Research by Barclays has today revealed that Britons are living up to their reputation for being polite to a fault, as just under a third (33 per cent) admit they would rather be out of pocket than suffer the awkwardness of asking friends and family for money owed to them.

The study showed that on average over 40 per cent found talking about money awkward, compared to 25 per cent who floundered on a first date, or the fifth (20 per cent) of those polled who thought a tricky encounter with an ex was toughest to navigate.

This reluctance to talk about money means that 42 per cent of Britons are losing out; of these, just under 20 per cent believe they have lost in excess of £100 in the past year. In addition, more than one in ten (13 per cent) of those polled said they would be too embarrassed to tell friends or family they couldn't afford an activity, and would splash out on it anyway.

However, Barclays has come up with a solution in time for World Emoji Day on the 17 July - to say those awkward phrases with emojis. Barclays has teamed up with linguistics and emoji expert, Professor Vyv Evans, to create bespoke emoji chains that allow people to confidently and comfortably discuss finances. From 'you owe me money' to 'that's too expensive' or 'can I borrow some money?', these emoji chains can succinctly convey meaning whilst diffusing any awkwardness.

Vyv Evans, Professor of Linguistics at Bangor University in Wales, said: 'Emojis are fast becoming one of the most common ways we communicate. In fact, many find it easier to express their emotions through emojis and use emoticons to help them navigate trickier conversations.

'Talking about money is one of those taboo subjects which everybody finds a little difficult - whether it's asking for a loan from a friend or chasing for cash owed by family members, it's never the easiest of conversations to breach. The Barclays Mon-Emoji chains make those discussions a little less awkward.'

It seems Britons would also like to be able to cope with everyday awkward conversations by using emojis, with the below identified as the most useful:

• 'I can't afford it, sorry' (28%)
• 'I'm broke' (25%)
• 'I can't make our plans anymore' (12%)
• 'I quit' (9%)
• 'You have something in your teeth' (9%)
• 'I want to break up' (6%)
• 'I don't love you anymore' (5%)
• 'I've been unfaithful' (4%)

Amy Mills, Digital Eagle at Barclays said: 'At Barclays, we know our customers often feel uncomfortable talking about money and we are always looking for ways to help people of all ages build their digital skills and confidence.

'Creating this set of emoji chains is just one of the many things we have introduced to make life easier - and we especially love the fact it could mean an extra few pounds in our customers pocket.'

For more information on Barclays Digital eagles visitwww.barclays.co.uk/Digitaleagles

Notes to editors

About Barclays Digital Eagles

Barclays has 16,000 Digital Eagles who work closely with customers in communities across the UK to help them access and feel confident in using our digital services.

Since May 2013 the Digital Eagles have helped over 1 million people globally become digitally savvy through Tea & Teach, Code Playground and working within schools.

Barclays Digital Eagles are available to support people get more from technology. From understanding emojis through to coding, they are available to help people of all ages build their digital skills and confidence.

[1]18-25 year old respondents

About Barclays

Barclays is a transatlantic consumer, corporate and investment bank offering products and services across personal, corporate and investment banking, credit cards and wealth management, with a strong presence in our two home markets of the UK and the US.

With over 325 years of history and expertise in banking, Barclays operates in over 40 countries and employs approximately 130,000 people. Barclays moves, lends, invests and protects money for customers and clients worldwide.

For further information about Barclays, please visit our website www.home.barclays .