How to Respond to the Eye Emoji

Flirty, funny, and neutral interpretations of the all-seeing eyes emoji

Co-authored by John Keegan and Kai Hynes

Last Updated: April 5, 2024 Fact Checked

The 👀 (eye emoji), also known as the side-eye or “the eyes,” is as versatile as it is mysterious. Like most emojis, the 👀 (eye emoji) can have different meanings depending on the context. That being said, the eye emoji is probably most often used for making funny observations, being nosy, or flirting. However it’s being used, we’ve got you covered on emojis and texts you can send to respond to the mischievous 👀.

Meaning of Emoji Eyes and Responses=

The side-eye emoji has various meanings and usages. Generally, it’s used when you say something you’re not supposed to, when you’re “sus,” or attracted to someone. Use a corresponding emoji to respond.

1

Respond to a scandalous joke with a 😂 (tears of joy emoji).

Download Article

Send one of these to say, “I shouldn’t laugh at that, but I can’t help it!” When someone adds 👀 to a dirty or controversial joke, it can mean, “Who said that? It wasn’t me.” In this context, crying emojis show that you’re bursting-at-the-seams with laughter. ^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If the joke makes you crack up so hard you might faint or die, send 💀.

2

Back your friend’s opinion up with a 💯 (hundred emoji).

Download Article

Some people use 👀 when they say something they’re not supposed to say. They might’ve sent a rude or otherwise inappropriate remark. The fact that they’re telling you means they trust you to not hate them for saying it! Show them you’re 100% behind them by sending this emoji back. ^{[2]
X
Research source}
- For example, if they ask, “Was it just me, or was that party super lame? 👀” send back “💯 you’re so right.”

3

Send a 😶 (mouthless face) to show your lips are sealed.

Download Article

People sometimes use 👀 emoji to show that they’re being nosy. If they’re trying to prod juicy gossip or info out of you, use this emoji to show them that you’re unsure if you should tell them or that you really don’t know the answer. ^{[3]
X
Research source}
- For example, “😶 I have no idea what you’re talking about!”
- This might not stop them from asking again, so be prepared to either give them the truth or tell them you can’t.
- On the other hand, by all means, tell them if you want to!

4

Tell them the feeling is mutual with your own 👀 (eye emoji).

Download Article

In a flirty context, 👀 can show someone you’re interested. It’s almost like the sender is peeking at the other person, or trying to make eye contact across a crowded room. Send one back to tell them that you see them, and you’re looking right back at them! ^{[4]
X
Research source}
- For example, if someone says “Hey 👀,” you can send them “Hi 👀” back.
- This can be a fun and silly way to start off a flirty exchange.

5

Start a friendly conversation with a neutral 👋 (waving) emoji.

Download Article

Try this one out if you’re not sure about the intentions behind the 👀. For instance, if the 👀 was used flirtatiously but you’re not quite ready to get down to the nitty-gritty, just say hi and see where things go from there. This is a way to show that you’re interested in chatting without committing to anything or getting their hopes up. ^{[5]
X
Research source}
- This can show less mutual attraction than sending 👀 back.

6

Add a 😉 (winking face) to make any response cheekier.

Download Article

To answer a curious 👀, send a wink their way to show that you’re down to flirt. Use this to test the waters before taking the conversation in a spicier direction. The winking emoji lets you play it cool and wait for the other person to make their move. ^{[6]
X
Research source}
- For example, if they say “Hi handsome 👀,” you can send back “Hi 😉.”
- Add this to almost anything to make it flirtier.
- For example, compare “I’m not doing anything” to “I’m not doing anything. 😉”
- Think of this as a PG-rated response to a flirty 👀.

7

Reply to flirty compliment with a suave 😎 (sunglasses emoji).

Download Article

If someone uses 👀 to say they’re interested in you, show them you know your worth. This calm and collected 😎 (sunglasses) emoji says, “Yeah, I know.” Being a little cool and aloof can be both attractive to them and empowering for you! ^{[7]
X
Research source}
- For example, use this if someone says, “Wow, I can’t stop staring at that photo of you. 👀”
- To add a little sass, try using 💅 or 💁‍♀️ instead.

8

Play coy with a seemingly innocent 🙈 (monkey) or 😇 (angel).

Download Article

Win their heart with cute reactions. If the 👀 was used in a flirty way, pretending to be embarrassed can make you look extra cute. In this context, it says, “Me? I have no idea what you’re talking about.” This can be a funny and cute way to get them to keep saying nice things to you or play hard to get. ^{[8]
X
Research source}
- For example, you could use this if they say, “You’re soooo cute. 👀”

9

Send a 😈 (devil) to hint at your naughty side .

Download Article

Add this emoji to your response to 👀 to take a flirty conversation to the next level. This is a sexier version of 😉 that you can use to show the other person that you mean business! ^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Add this emoji in place of 😉 to make your message a little more sexually charged.
- For example, compare “Want to do something fun? 😉” to “Want to do something fun? 😈”
- Think of this as a PG13-rated response to a flirty 👀.

10

Reply with a 🍑 (peach) or 🍆 (eggplant).

Download Article

Respond to 👀 with these emojis to turn up the heat. Don’t be fooled by the fact that these emojis are usually in the food section of emoji keyboards! This fruit and vegetable duo has dirty implications. Use them for a not-so-subtle invitation to take the conversation further. ^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Only use these in place of 😉 or 😈 if you know the other person will be into it, too!
- You could also send a 👅 or 💦 to get the same message across.
- Think of these as R-rated responses to a flirty 👀.

11

Send a 😒 (unamused face) to show that you’re annoyed or disagree.

Download Article

Use this emoji if the other person’s 👀was rude or inappropriate. Got an unwelcome flirtatious comment or a bad joke? A quick 😒 says “I’m not amused” and can shut the other person down. ^{[11]
X
Research source}
- For example, use this if someone you’re not interested in says, “Hi sexy. 👀”
- Alternatively, use this if someone makes a joke that you really don’t think is cool to say.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

Log in

How to Respond to the Eye Emoji

Meaning of Emoji Eyes and Responses=

Steps

Respond to a scandalous joke with a 😂 (tears of joy emoji).

Back your friend’s opinion up with a 💯 (hundred emoji).

Send a 😶 (mouthless face) to show your lips are sealed.

Tell them the feeling is mutual with your own 👀 (eye emoji).

Start a friendly conversation with a neutral 👋 (waving) emoji.

Add a 😉 (winking face) to make any response cheekier.

Reply to flirty compliment with a suave 😎 (sunglasses emoji).

Play coy with a seemingly innocent 🙈 (monkey) or 😇 (angel).

Send a 😈 (devil) to hint at your naughty side .

Reply with a 🍑 (peach) or 🍆 (eggplant).

Send a 😒 (unamused face) to show that you’re annoyed or disagree.

Expert Q&A

Tips

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Is this article up to date?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Quizzes

Explore Categories