We do have :emoji: syntax, when I start typing after a : I get a popup of matching emojis, or I can pick from a (very long) list. They just show up as pictures for the rest of you due to federation. They’re also sized more consistently for users viewing from hexbear but I hear lemmy is going to fix that for everyone soon. Our Emoji Science Officer, or perhaps People’s Comissar of Emojis, is @WhyEssEff she does the emotes.