What Does the ๐Ÿ˜ฎ (Face with Open Mouth) Emoji Mean?

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Your guide to the ๐Ÿ˜ฎ (face with open mouth) emoji, its purpose in texting and social media, and how to use it
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If someone drops the ๐Ÿ˜ฎ (face with open mouth) emoji in a text, you may wonder what they meant by it—and we’re here to help you solve the mystery! Also called the surprised emoji, “wow” emoji, or the open mouth emoji, there are a few different ways to use it, and now you can learn all of them. Read on for a complete overview of the ๐Ÿ˜ฎ (face with open mouth) emoji, including how to use it, respond to it, and combine it with other popular emojis.

Things You Should Know

  • The ๐Ÿ˜ฎ (face with open mouth) emoji typically means “Wow!” It expresses surprise, disbelief, and admiration.
  • Use the ๐Ÿ˜ฎ emoji to tell someone how talented they are or convey your shock when someone sends you unexpected news.
  • Express disbelief and worry using the ๐Ÿ˜ฎ emoji when someone surprises you with bad news.
  • Alternatively, use the ๐Ÿ˜ฎ emoji to express light humor and sarcasm.
Section 1 of 4:

What does the ๐Ÿ˜ฎ emoji mean?

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  1. When you feel admiration and awe towards someone, the ๐Ÿ˜ฎ emoji can depict those feelings. It can be used alongside or in place of phrases like “Whoa!” and “Oh, my!” You’ll usually find the ๐Ÿ˜ฎ emoji in texts or social media posts with a lighthearted tone. [1]
    • “You really did all that in a few hours? ๐Ÿ˜ฎ So cool!”
    • “Whoa, that drawing is insane! ๐Ÿ˜ฎ You’re so talented.”
  2. Though it’s mainly a lighthearted emoji, many people use it to express everything from mild surprise to serious shock and incredulity. In short, the ๐Ÿ˜ฎ emoji is adaptable and depicts varying degrees of astonishment. [2]
    • “Are you serious? ๐Ÿ˜ฎ LOL, that’s wild.”
    • “I can’t believe I didn’t know that! ๐Ÿ˜ฎ Genuinely kinda shook right now.”
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  3. If you’re suddenly hit with some bad news, the ๐Ÿ˜ฎ emoji can encapsulate your feelings about the situation. In that context, the ๐Ÿ˜ฎ expresses shocked disappointment, and worry.
    • “Wait, we have a quiz today? ๐Ÿ˜ฎ I forgot to study!”
    • “You quit your job? ๐Ÿ˜ฎ I thought I was gonna see you today! What happened?”
  4. Some include the ๐Ÿ˜ฎ emoji in a text when they’re expressing mock surprise (as opposed to genuine shock). Rather than saying, “I’m not surprised,” someone might send the ๐Ÿ˜ฎ emoji ironically instead.
    • You: “Did you hear? Jen and Skyler are dating!”
    • Them: “Who could’ve guessed? ๐Ÿ˜ฎ Definitely not us in the group chat for the last 5 days, lol!”
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Section 2 of 4:

Using the ๐Ÿ˜ฎ Emoji

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  1. When someone genuinely impresses you, let them know. Say “Wow!” with the ๐Ÿ˜ฎ emoji, and send along a quick message about how amazed or inspired you feel. It might just make someone’s day! [3]
    • “This is my face still thinking about how you won EVERY game we played tonight. ๐Ÿ˜ฎ”
    • “Just heard that you got into all of your dream schools!! ๐Ÿ˜ฎ Bravo!”
  2. Sometimes you’ll get a message or see a post on social media that’s so shocking it leaves your jaw hanging wide open. Follow up with the ๐Ÿ˜ฎ emoji to show the recipient your surprise. In fact, it's a great emoji to use regardless of how surprised you are! [4]
    • “Is that true?? ๐Ÿ˜ฎ Okay, I need you to explain what happened NOW.”
    • “I was today years old when I learned that avocado is a fruit, not a vegetable. ๐Ÿ˜ฎ”
  3. When you get bad news, it’s natural to be a little alarmed and reflect that panic in your response. Add the ๐Ÿ˜ฎ emoji to your text; it helps illustrate your feelings, so the recipient can easily interpret your reaction and reply accordingly.
    • Them: “So, Carol told me she’s upset with you. What’s going on there?”
    • You: “I had no idea she felt that way. That's awful. ๐Ÿ˜ฎ Did she say why?”
    • You can also react to bad news on social media with it—like retweeting an article and adding a ๐Ÿ˜ฎ emoji to show your shock and dismay.
  4. The ๐Ÿ˜ฎ is a good choice when you want to be slightly ironic but not totally dismissive. Send it to convey mock surprise to someone. Remember, sarcasm is harder to spot over text, so it’s best to save it for friends who already know your texting style!
    • Them: “I feel like this isn’t such a great idea actually… ๐Ÿคจ”
    • You: “No, really? ๐Ÿ˜ฎ”
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Section 3 of 4:

Responding to the ๐Ÿ˜ฎ Emoji

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  1. If someone praises you using ๐Ÿ˜ฎ emoji, it’s only natural to be grateful for the compliment. Let them know that their words are much appreciated—and, if you like, use a happy emoji like the ๐Ÿ˜Š (blushing smile) or the โค๏ธ (red heart).
    • Them: “Whoa, that drawing is insane! ๐Ÿ˜ฎ You’re so talented.”
    • You: “Thank you! ๐Ÿ˜Š I drew it with you in mind, so I’m glad you liked it!”
  2. When you send a message conveying shocking news, the recipient might respond by saying something like “What?!” or “Wait, really?” In those cases, send a follow-up text explaining the news in a little more detail for them.
    • You: “So…Beth quit today.”
    • Them: “WHAT? ๐Ÿ˜ฎ”
    • You: “Yeah, it was kind of crazy! Wanna call me? I can tell you the whole story. ๐Ÿ˜‰”
  3. Sometimes bad news can send people into a tailspin, even if you weren’t trying to alarm them. When someone sends the ๐Ÿ˜ฎ emoji in reaction to bad news and you can tell they’re genuinely a little worried or afraid, do your best to soothe them or talk through the issue until they feel better.
    • You: “Just FYI, there’s a pop quiz in science class today!”
    • Them: “Oh no. I’m so behind, I’ll never pass it! ๐Ÿ˜ฃ๐Ÿ˜ญ”
    • You: “Hey, no worries! I can help. Wanna do a quick study session at lunch?”
  4. When someone texts you with the ๐Ÿ˜ฎ emoji and lots of sarcastic surprise, the easiest way to respond is to laugh off the joke or play along with it by sending a sarcastic message in return. Show the recipient that you’re a good sport, and you get what they’re trying to say!
    • You: “I can’t wait for the next Batman movie!”
    • Them: “Oh, you like Batman? ๐Ÿ˜ฎ I had no idea.”
    • You: “Lol, yeah, you know me, I like to be subtle about my interests. ๐Ÿ˜‚”
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Section 4 of 4:

Common Emojis to Pair with ๐Ÿ˜ฎ

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  1. Everyone slips up and loses something now and again, whether it’s their house keys or their favorite shirt. When you want to express dismay and confusion over losing something, pair the ๐Ÿ˜ฎ emoji with whichever emoji best depicts the object you lost. For example:
    • ๐Ÿ˜ฎ๐Ÿ“– = Where’s my book?
    • ๐Ÿ˜ฎ๐ŸŽง = Where are my headphones?
    • ๐Ÿ˜ฎ๐Ÿ”‘ = Where are my keys?
  2. Sometimes it’s fun to tell a story with your emojis and spell out a phrase for the recipient to translate. When you want to be a little fun and flirty, write, “๐Ÿ˜ฎโ€‹๐Ÿ’จโ€‹๐Ÿ‘„,” to convey that you’re sending them a kiss through the message.
    • “Wish you were here! ๐Ÿ˜ฎโ€‹๐Ÿ’จโ€‹๐Ÿ‘„”
    • “Sending you kisses today! ๐Ÿ˜ฎโ€‹๐Ÿ’จโ€‹๐Ÿ‘„”
  3. When you want the recipient to know that you’re sending an important, must-read text (even if you’re just sharing a juicy piece of gossip or joking around), add ๐Ÿ˜ฎ๐Ÿ“ฃโ€‹๐ŸŽค to the message. The ๐Ÿ“ฃ (megaphone) and โ€‹๐ŸŽค (microphone) emojis imply that you’re broadcasting a text or social media announcement loudly, while the ๐Ÿ˜ฎ emoji adds urgency.
    • “BREAKING NEWS! ๐Ÿ˜ฎ๐Ÿ“ฃโ€‹๐ŸŽค …I miss you.”
    • Omg! ๐Ÿ˜ฎ๐Ÿ“ฃโ€‹๐ŸŽค You’ll never guess what my mom told me today!”
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      References

      1. ↑ โ€‹โ€‹ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0747563221000443
      2. ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364661242_Interactions_between_text_content_and_emoji_types_determine_perceptions_of_both_messages_and_senders
      3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/more-than-just-a-text/201705/emojis-tools-for-emotions
      4. ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364661242_Interactions_between_text_content_and_emoji_types_determine_perceptions_of_both_messages_and_senders

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