Emoji Slang: Hidden Meanings Revealed!

In today’s wild world of emojis, it’s easy to get lost in translation. Emojis have evolved from simple smiley faces to a whole new slang language. So, whether you’re getting sent a , , or that infamous combo, we’ve got your back! Here’s a breakdown of some of the more cryptic dating emoji slang so you don’t end up sending something you’ll regret at 2 a.m. .

Note that our emoji dictionary works for WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram or text!

– Big Brain

If someone sends you a , they might be complimenting your smarts (aka “big brain energy”).

– New moon face
The emoji typically represents a sly, mischievous, or flirtatious mood. It’s often used when someone is saying something with a hidden meaning or playful intent, similar to a side-eye or cheeky grin. The emoji gives off a vibe of secrecy or playful innuendo.

– Hugging face
The emoji represents warmth, comfort, and affection. It’s commonly used to offer a virtual hug or express support and kindness. If someone sends you this emoji, especially in an emotional context, they’re likely trying to give a comforting embrace or show they care.

– Dog face
The emoji is often used to symbolize cuteness, loyalty, or affection. In some contexts, it can be playful, signaling that the sender is feeling friendly, soft, or warm. It can also represent “puppy love” in flirtatious conversations, showing someone feels affectionate or cute towards you.

– Woozy face
The emoji suggests feeling disoriented, confused, or even tipsy. When a girl or boy sends this, she or he is probably saying they feels out of sorts, overwhelmed, or possibly even inebriated. It can also be used playfully to express a moment of awkwardness or dizziness.

– Beating heart
The emoji represents strong feelings of affection, love, or admiration. When a girl or guy sends this, she or he is likely expressing warm emotions towards you, signaling a deep affection or that her heart is “beating” for you. It’s often used in sweet, caring, or romantic conversations.

– Full moon face
The emoji can have a playful or flirtatious meaning if sent by a girl or boy. It’s often used to convey cheekiness, hidden intentions, or a sense of humor with a subtle wink. In flirtier conversations, it can imply that she’s being a little sneaky or playful with her feelings.

– Face with tears of joy

The   emoji is all about laughter and humor. When a girl or boy sends this, it shows she/he finds something hilarious or is expressing amusement. It’s commonly used to respond to a joke or playful conversation, indicating that she’s having fun or is laughing out loud at something you’ve said.

– Fist

The emoji can represent a fist bump, a sign of friendship or agreement. It can also be used to convey strength, determination, or aggression, depending on the context. Sometimes, it’s sent to show solidarity or to say “I’ve got your back.”

– Flushed face

This emoji expresses surprise, embarrassment, or shyness. When a girl sends this, she may be feeling awkward or taken aback by something, but it can also be used in a flirtatious context to show she’s blushing or shy about what’s being discussed.

– Black heart

An emoji with a few meanings! The emoji usually symbolizes deep emotions like sadness, darkness, or rebelliousness. When sent by a girl, it might express her edgy or alternative style, or even that she’s feeling down or emotionally distant. In some cases, it’s a way to be a bit mysterious.

– Palms up together

This emoji represents giving, receiving, or offering. It can be used to symbolize openness, asking for something, or an offering of support. It’s often seen as a gesture of generosity or cooperation.

– Hundred points

The emoji signifies perfection, approval, or doing something to the fullest. It’s often used to express that something is 100% or “keeping it real.” It’s popular for showing enthusiasm, agreement, or excellence in any context.

– Grimacing face

The emoji shows awkwardness, nervousness, or discomfort. When a girl sends this, she might be feeling uncomfortable about something or unsure how to respond. It can be a way of acknowledging a tense or awkward situation.

– Hot face

This emoji expresses intense heat, either from the temperature or from attraction. When a girl sends this, it’s likely a flirty hint that she’s feeling physically or metaphorically hot—often used to show someone or something is attractive.

– Leaf fluttering in wind

A few meanings here. This emoji typically represents nature or a breeze. However, in slang, it’s often used to symbolize marijuana or smoking. Depending on the context, it can refer to relaxation or indulgence in recreational activities – typically weed.

– Place of worship

This emoji symbolizes religion or spiritual devotion. It’s often used in conversations about faith, prayer, or worship, but in a flirty context it can also be used metaphorically to express extreme devotion or admiration toward something or someone.

– Ghost

The ghost emoji can represent something spooky or playful. It’s often used around Halloween, but it can also symbolize someone “ghosting” (disappearing from communication) in texting.

– Face with open mouth

Here the emoji expresses surprise, shock, or amazement. It’s used when something unexpected happens, or when someone is taken aback by what they’ve seen or heard. It’s perfect for showing astonishment or disbelief in a conversation.

– Vulcan salute

This emoji is a greeting from “Star Trek,” symbolizing “Live long and prosper.” It’s often used in conversations about geek culture or as a way of sending positive vibes and well-wishes. It’s popular in friendly or fandom-related exchanges.

– Billed cap

Slang emoji for “lying” or “no cap,” meaning “no lie” or “truth.” It’s commonly used in online slang to call someone out for being dishonest or exaggerating. For example, “That’s cap” means “That’s a lie.

– Call me hand

The emoji is often used to symbolize a relaxed or laid-back vibe, like the “hang loose” gesture from Hawaiian culture. When a guy sends it, he’s likely giving off a chill, friendly, or easygoing vibe. It can also imply that he’s open to communication or wants to connect.

– Lying face

The nose emoji represents dishonesty or lying. It’s often used to call out someone for not being truthful or to jokingly admit to telling a fib. The emoji’s long nose is a reference to Pinocchio, symbolizing that the person might be stretching the truth.

– Sleepy face

The emoji represents being tired or ready to sleep. When a guy or girl sends this, it could mean they are feeling exhausted or needs rest. It might also be used to show boredom or disinterest, depending on the context.

– Upside-down face

Here this emoji is typically used to indicate sarcasm, silliness, or playful annoyance. When a boy sends this, he might be being cheeky or teasing in a lighthearted way. It’s used to show that the person is joking around or doesn’t take something too seriously.

– Tired or weary face

The tired or weary emoji is generally used to express exhaustion, frustration, or feeling overwhelmed. In a sexual context, it can be used to suggest someone is overwhelmed by desire or passion, adding a dramatic, teasing tone to conversations about physical attraction or arousal.

– Winking face

A winky emoji represents playfulness, flirtation, or mischief. When a girl sends this, she’s likely being flirty or teasing in a lighthearted way. It’s a common way to show that she’s joking around or hinting at something more subtly.

– Face with hand over mouth

The emoji, it likely indicates that she or he is surprised or playfully hiding something. They might be pretending to be shocked or acting coy, especially in a flirtatious or teasing conversation. It adds a hint of playful innocence.

– Nerdy or Cute

When a girl sends this emoji, she’s often signaling a cute, slightly awkward, or “I’m being nerdy on purpose” vibe. It’s a playful way to show she’s embracing her geeky side while still being adorable.

– Snooze or Sass

Getting a from a girl might seem like she’s just bored. But in emoji slang, it could also be her way of saying “yawn, you’re not impressing me” in a sassy, passive-aggressive kind of way.

– Shy Flirtation

Ah, the beloved combo. This is internet-speak for being shy, nervous, or subtly flirty. If someone sends you these two pointing fingers, they’re likely feeling a little awkward but also trying to get your attention. vibes, anyone?

– Cosmic Vibes

The emoji is all about space and the cosmos. When someone sends this, they’re either feeling spaced out or ready to explore the mysteries of the universe, metaphorically or in conversation.

– Spice It Up

The chilli pepper emoji is all about heat! When a girl sends it, she might be saying things are spicy – either in a playful way or in a “things are heating up” context.

– Cute Otter, But…

Otters are undeniably cute, but can sometimes have a playful or suggestive undertone, depending on the context. In slang, it might symbolize cute and cuddly vibes or be a fun, quirky compliment.

– 18+ Content Warning

This emoji signals things are about to get steamy. If you see a in a chat, you might want to brace yourself for some NSFW (Not Safe For Work) conversation. Think of it as the emoji version of a parental advisory sticker – see towards the end of this article more NSFW emojis.

– Disapproving or Done

When a girl sends you a , she’s not mad. She’s just done. It’s the “really?” face, perfect for when you’ve said something ridiculous, and she’s not amused.

– The Evil Eye

The emoji is all about protection. Sent from a girl, it’s used to ward off bad vibes or jealous energy. It’s basically saying “no bad juju here” in emoji form.

– Spooky Season Vibes

is the pumpkin emoji, perfect for anything Halloween-related or to signal a spooky mood. From a girl or boy, it’s fun and playful, adding a seasonal touch.

– Innocent Vibes

The emoji is often used to symbolize innocence – sometimes ironically. If a girl sends you this after doing something mischievous, she’s probably trying to act cute while deflecting blame.

– Big Sigh

This emoji signals someone is either exhausted or relieved. If a girl sends it, she might be feeling the weight of the world or just glad something’s finally over.

– Drooling (in More Ways Than One)

In its innocent form, can signal hunger or excitement about food. In more flirtatious contexts, it’s about lust or attraction. When a girl or guy sends this, they might be admiring something—or someone.

– Wilted Flower

The emoji is used when someone is feeling down or defeated. If a girl sends it, she might be in a sad or melancholic mood, needing a little extra support.

– Wild and Wacky

When a girl sends , she’s probably feeling quirky or a little out of control in a fun way. This emoji is perfect for those wild, unpredictable conversations.

– Full Moon Flirt

The emoji is often flirtatious or cheeky, like she’s got a secret. In sexual contexts, it can mean things are getting steamy, depending on the convo. It’s a playful moon with hidden intentions.

– Puppy Love

The emoji is often used to symbolize loyalty, cuteness, or affection. When sent by a girl, it can be a playful way to say she’s feeling soft or warm toward you.

– Clown Alert

The emoji can be used to call out someone acting foolish or saying something ridiculous. When sent by a girl, she might be playfully roasting you or saying, “That’s clown behavior.”

– Magic 8-Ball

The emoji often references predicting the future. It can symbolize drugs too.

– The Butterfly

The butterfly emoji symbolizes transformation, freedom, or beauty. When a girl sends this, it’s often a cute way of saying she feels delicate or she’s in the midst of a personal transformation.

– Dizziness or Confusion

This emoji is a fun way to say “I’m dizzy” or “that’s mind-blowing.” Sent by a girl, she might be feeling overwhelmed or shocked in a playful way.

– Smiling face with hearts

The meaning of the emoji represents feelings of affection, love, and warmth. It’s often used to show adoration, romantic interest, or strong emotional connection. When someone sends you , they’re likely expressing love, fondness, or a deep appreciation for something or someone in a sweet, heartfelt way.

– Puppy Eyes

The meaning of this emoji , often referred to as the “puppy eyes” or “pleading face,” is used to express feelings of cuteness, begging, or a desire for sympathy. When someone sends you , they’re likely trying to be endearing or evoke compassion. It’s often paired with shy or flirty messages to soften the mood.

– Face exhaling

This emoji is used to indicate a sigh of relief, frustration, or exhaustion. It often conveys that someone is feeling a sense of relief after a stressful situation or that they’re just worn out from something.

– Crying face

This emoji expresses extreme sadness or being emotionally overwhelmed. When a guy or girl sends it, it might show that they are feeling vulnerable or expressing deep emotions, but it can also be used in a humorous or exaggerated way to show they are jokingly sad about something minor.

– Handshake

The emoji represents agreement, cooperation, or making a deal. It’s often used to signify mutual understanding or a commitment to work together. It can also be sent to indicate support or camaraderie between people.

– Cherry blossom

The emoji is typically associated with beauty, nature, and delicate femininity. It’s often used to symbolize purity or a sense of calm. In some contexts, it can represent new beginnings or a fresh start.

– Smiling face with smiling eyes

The emoji conveys happiness, warmth, or a friendly attitude. When a guy or girl sends this, it’s usually a way to show friendliness, kindness, or to offer a comforting and genuine response.

– Orge
The  emoji can symbolize something scary or mischievous. When sent by a girl or guy, it’s often used playfully to represent being “bad” or mischievous in a fun way, or to mock her or his own behavior as being a bit over-the-top. It’s typically not meant to be taken literally.

– Neutral face

The emoji often conveys boredom, indifference, or frustration. When a girl or guy sends it, she might be expressing that they are unimpressed or tired of a particular situation. It’s a subtle way of saying “meh” or showing they are not thrilled about something.

– Eyes

The eyes emoji is used to express attention, curiosity, or interest in something. It often means “I’m watching” or “I see that.” In a more flirtatious or playful context, it can indicate that someone is hinting at interest or awaiting a response to something intriguing.

– Unamused face

An emoji that expresses discontent, annoyance, or boredom. When a girl sends this, she’s likely indicating that she’s not impressed or feeling irritated about something. It’s a subtle way to show dissatisfaction or frustration.

–  Lying face and a peach
The combination of (Lying face) and (Peach) likely means someone is being deceptive about something related to the body or attractiveness. It could imply that someone is exaggerating or lying about something sexual or physical, like making a boastful claim about appearance.

– Kissing face with smiling eyes

An emoji that represents affection or a light-hearted kiss. When sent by a girl, it’s a sweet or friendly way to show that she’s being affectionate or playful, but it’s usually more casual than romantic.

– Smiling face with halo

This emoji often represents innocence, either sincerely or ironically. When a girl or guy sends it, they are likely trying to show that they are being sweet or innocent, but it can also be used humorously after doing something a bit mischievous or cheeky.

– Two hearts emoji is often used to express affection, love, or strong feelings of fondness. When a guy sends this, he’s likely signaling romantic interest or deep affection. It’s commonly used to convey warm emotions and show care in a more intimate or loving way.

– I love you hand sign

The emoji is based on the American Sign Language gesture for “I love you.” It’s often used to express love, positivity, or support. When someone sends this, they’re conveying strong feelings of affection or just sending good vibes.

– Thumbs up

This emoji is a universal sign of approval, agreement, or acknowledgment. When sent by a girl or guy, it typically means they are approving of what was said or simply affirming a point. It’s a casual and straightforward way of saying “yes” or “okay.”

– Eye, tongue, eye

This is unique combination is often used to represent desire or attraction, particularly in a playful or suggestive way. It can signal someone watching and desiring something or someone, with the tongue in the middle adding a humorous or flirty tone.

– Mouth

The emoji represents lips or talking. When a girl sends this, it can either signal a kiss, flirtation, or that she’s focusing on something related to speech or communication. Depending on the context, it can have romantic or playful connotations.

– Skull
The emoji in slang typically means “I’m dead” or “that was so funny, I’m dying of laughter.” It’s used to express something that’s hilarious, or sometimes something so surprising or shocking that it’s overwhelming. Or it may mean “You’re dead to me”.

– Face without mouth

This emoji represents speechlessness or awkwardness. When a girl sends this, she may be signaling that she doesn’t know how to respond or that she’s uncomfortable with the situation. It’s often used in moments where words are hard to find.

– Thinking face

The emoji is used to indicate thoughtfulness, curiosity, or questioning. When a guy sends this, he’s likely contemplating something or being skeptical. It’s often used to show he’s considering an idea or is intrigued by something you’ve said.

– Sparkles

A sparkles emoji symbolizes magic, positivity, or excitement. It’s often used to show that something is dazzling, beautiful, or special. It can also be used to indicate enthusiasm or a magical feeling in any context.

– Fire

If something is   it means that’s hot, either literally or figuratively. It’s often used to signify that something or someone is attractive, impressive, or “on fire.” In slang, it’s frequently used to indicate physical or sexual attraction.

– Man shrugging

If a man sends you this emoji it is used to express uncertainty, indifference, or confusion. It shows a casual “I don’t know” or “whatever” attitude. The same applies for a women shrugging.

– Woman bowing

A bowing emoji represents humility, apology, or deep respect. It can also be used to acknowledge someone’s greatness, sometimes in a sexual context.

– Deaf man

Literally, the emoji represents a man who is deaf or hard of hearing. In slang it’s used to indicate that someone is listening attentively or trying to understand something, though in some conversations, it might also be used to imply that someone is ignoring or not paying attention to something.

– Heart on Fire

The (Heart on fire) emoji symbolizes passionate love, intense feelings, or deep desire. It’s used to convey that someone’s love or emotions are burning strong. In romantic or flirtatious conversations, it shows intense attraction or infatuation.

– Ribbon
The (Ribbon) emoji is associated with femininity, cuteness, and gifts. When a girl sends this, she might be expressing that she’s feeling cute or sweet, or she’s using it to add a charming touch to the conversation. It could also represent something precious or delicate.

Sexual Emojis That Are NSFW (Not Safe For Work)

The following emojis are not safe for work, they are dirty, sexual and well…at times a bit rude. But if you get these suggestive emojis from a boy or girl and you’re unsure if your sexting, then the hidden meanings of the below might well just make your day. You’ve been warned, this goes beyond flirty emojis, expect orgasm emojis, male genitalia, vagina emojis and the rest.

– Pussycat

While the emoji represents a literal cat, in emoji slang, it has a dual meaning. In more flirtatious or sexual contexts, it’s often used to symbolize female anatomy. Depending on the conversation, it can range from a playful reference to an explicit innuendo.

– Tongue

The tongue emoji usually represents tasting or licking but is also frequently used in a flirtatious or suggestive context to indicate physical attraction or sexual teasing. It’s often paired with other emojis like or to add more suggestive meaning.

– Face with tongue out and water droplets
The combination of (Face with tongue out) and (Water droplets) is playful and suggestive. It implies generic desire, arousal, or sexual excitement.

– Hot face and water droplets

This is highly suggestive in a flirtatious or sexual context. It conveys feelings of intense attraction, arousal, or physical heat. Together, they imply that something or someone is “hot” and creating excitement or desire.

– Water droplets and tongue
The combination of (Water droplets) and (Tongue) is highly suggestive in a sexual context. Together, they symbolize arousal or an explicit reference to oral activity.

– Peach, hot face and then peach again
This combination of (Peach) and (Hot face) is used to represent sexual attraction or desire. symbolizes the buttocks, and indicates heat or passion, suggesting that someone is feeling hot or highly attracted to someone. Repeating emphasizes the physical focus on the body.

– Water droplets

In an NSFW context, this represents arousal or ejaculation. It’s commonly used in flirtatious or sexual conversations to imply excitement or sexual innuendo.

– Peach

The emoji is often used to symbolize the buttocks due to its round and peach-like shape. When a boy sends this, he’s likely referencing the butt in a flirtatious or sexual context. It’s commonly used in suggestive or playful conversations.

– Devil horns

If you get this from a girl or boy, it means they are “horny”.

– Finger point and OK sign

When these two emojis come together , it often represents something sexual. If you’re receiving this combo, well, it’s probably a not-so-subtle innuendo.

– Pinching hand

This emoji is typically used to indicate something small or minimal. Yes, you can guess where this is going! It’s typically referred to as an insult of tiny male genitalia. Sorry guys!

– Water, peach and upside down face

This combination is definitely on the suggestive side. (representing wetness), (symbolizing a butt), and (used to convey cheekiness or a nonchalant attitude) together suggest something risqué or flirtatious, often used in NSFW contexts to hint at sexual innuendos.

– Peace sign

What does mean? Well the (peace sign) emoji traditionally represents peace, victory, or coolness. But in certain contexts, especially on social media platforms like Snapchat, it can have sexual undertones, symbolizing the female anatomy (vulva) or sexual positions in a subtle or cheeky way.

– Bunch of cherries

A bunch of cherries has a bit more too it. What does mean sexually? Well the emoji is often used in a sexual context to symbolize virginity or breasts, depending on the conversation. The “cherry” has long been a slang term for someone’s first sexual experience, and in emoji language, it can be used to refer to anything related to the topic.

– Big Brain

Yes we know we’ve already had this one, but the NSFW edition they could be not-so-subtly hinting at something much more. Yep, in some circles, means “giving head.”

– Eggplant

The (eggplant) emoji from a guy or girl is universally recognized as a stand-in for the male genitalia. When sent by a guy, it’s typically used in a flirtatious or sexual context, hinting at arousal or sexual intentions. It’s one of the most commonly recognized NSFW emojis.

– Fist & water droplets

The (fist) and (water droplets) combo in text is definitely NSFW. Together, they are often used to refer to masturbation or sexual activity. This pairing is popular in sexting or flirtatious conversations with a cheeky, explicit undertone.

– Eggplant, water droplets and weary face

You can probably get the picture now…ehem…the is used sexually suggestive combining an innuendo male genitalia , arousal/ejaculation and pleasure/exhaustion .

– Tongue and eggplant

Together, is a clear innuendo for oral sex. This combination is commonly used in flirtatious or explicit conversations to hint at sexual activity.

– You know what these mean now…

Whether it’s for eggplant, for peach, for banana, or for cherry, these emojis are famous for their innuendo. When paired, they create quite the suggestive string of fruit.

There you have it – emoji slang decoded! Next time you get an odd string of emojis in your DMs, refer back to this guide so you can handle it like a pro. And remember, use emojis wisely – they can be easily confused!