What Does the 👀 Eyes Emoji Mean?

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

From social media feeds to group chats, the 👀 (eyes) emoji is everywhere. But what exactly does this ambiguous emoji mean? We’ve got you covered. Keep reading to have your eyes opened on all the different ways this emoji can spice up your texts, posts, and photo captions.

Section 1 of 4:

What does the 👀 (eyes) emoji mean?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Shock and surprise are difficult emotions to put into words. Thankfully, the 👀 emoji does a great job of capturing the sense of excitement and astonishment that comes with a piece of unexpected news. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Everyone breaks the rules once in a while—what better way to flex your misdeeds than with the shady 👀 emoji? In this case, using 👀 is a playful way to boast about what you just (potentially) got away with. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    While not quite as powerful as the 😳 or 🙃 emojis, the 👀 emoji is still a clever, subtle way to either share or react to an embarrassing moment. [3]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The 👀 is an iconic way to let someone know that they have your full attention. Basically, if “spill the beans” had its own emoji, 👀 would be it. [4]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It’s pretty hard to scroll through Instagram or Twitter without seeing a lot of 👀 emojis floating around—especially on people’s selfies. The 👀 emoji is a friendly, flirty way of saying “I see you.” [5]
    6. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

How to Use the 👀 (eyes) Emoji

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Sure, you can drop a 😱 or 😲 in response to a surprising or exciting message, but it just doesn’t have the same curious, intrigued vibe as the 👀 emoji. Keep it simple with just 1 pair of 👀, or drop multiple emojis to really amp up the shock. [6]
    • Them: “I just won $1,000 on a scratch ticket!”
      You: “👀👀👀”
    • Them: “My family’s adopting a puppy this Friday!”
      You: “👀”
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    See some awkward PDA in the hall on your way to class? Vent about it a friend with the 👀 emoji. Did your bestie just text you about an embarrassing run-in with their crush? Shoot a few 👀 emojis to show that you’re all ears. [7]
    • “Heard some weird noises coming from the bathroom 👀👀”
    • Friend: “Fell asleep in class and the teacher called on me 😩”
      You: “👀👀👀”
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Steal out of the cookie jar? Spill some mustard on your sister’s favorite shirt? The 👀 is the perfect way to express all of your sneaky, dastardly deeds to your close friends.
    • “Got home an hour after curfew last night 👀”
    • “Skipped class to hang out with Jason and his friends 👀👀”
    • “Dan still hasn’t realized I’m mooching off his Netflix account 👀”
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The 👀 emoji is the perfect response to vague, mysterious messages like “Guess what happened today?” or “The craziest thing happened this morning.” Send a few emojis to show that you’re all ears—or in this case, all eyes!
    • Them: “You’ll never guess who I saw at the grocery store yesterday.”
      You: “👀👀👀”
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Give the 🔥 emoji a break and show your interest with the 👀 emoji instead. Just be sure to keep the recipient in mind! This sly emoji works best with people you know well, like a best friend shooting you a selfie over Snapchat. A crush, random acquaintance, or perfect stranger might not be as comfortable with it. [8]
    • Friend: “Check out my new cosplay!”
      You: “👀👀👀”
    6. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

How to Reply to the 👀 (eyes) Emoji

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Maybe your friend just shot you a text about how they walked in on someone in the bathroom, or how they accidentally said “love you” to their co-worker when hanging up the phone. Whatever the occasion, a 😂 or 🤣 can get the job done.
    • Them: “Just farted in class and I’m pretty sure everyone heard it 👀”
      You: “Hopefully it didn’t smell too bad 😂😂😂”
    • Them: “On cashier duty today, and I think I just checked out my first grade teacher… 👀”
      You: “Did they recognize you? 🤣🤣”
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Did someone just drop a bombshell in the group chat using the 👀 emoji? Drop a 👀, 😲, or 🫢 to show some jaw-dropping solidarity.
    • Them: “I’m in NYC and I think I just passed Hugh Jackman on the street 👀👀”
      You: “No way!! 😲😲 Give him my best, LOL”
    • Them: “Did you guys hear that Jeff and Kayla broke up? 👀”
      You: “Whaaa? But they’ve been dating forever 🫢👀”
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A friend or loved one drops a bit of good news into the chat with a 👀 to keep things subtle. Who says that you have to keep things subtle, though? Send a friendly 👏 or 🎉 to let them know that you’re rooting for them.
    • Them: “So… my pregnancy test has 2 lines on it… 👀”
      You: “OMG congratulations!!! 🎉🎉🎉”
    • Them: “Guess who just got into UCLA 👀”
      You: Ahhh congrats!! I’m so proud of you 👏👏”
    4. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

👀 (eyes) Emoji Alternatives

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-14.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The 👁️ can serve as a replacement for the word “saw,” like “I 👁️ that shirt at the store yesterday” or “I 👁️ him at the movie theater.” You can also use it as a replacement for the word “eye,” like “I have an 👁️ doctor appointment tomorrow.” [9] If you’re feeling extra playful, you might send a friend a couple of 👁️👁️ to say “I see you” or “I’m watching you.”
    • A popular spinoff of the 👁️ emoji is the “eyes with lips face,” or 👁️👄👁️. This emoji combo can represent a lot of different things, but it often means “it is what it is.” [10]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-15.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The 👁‍🗨 emoji was created as part of an American Ad Council campaign called “I Am A Witness.” The 👁‍🗨 emoji’s design revolves around the importance of speaking up, and encourages students to speak up when they notice bullying happening around them. [11] Over time, this emoji has come to represent speaking out against harassment in all its forms. [12]
    • “Don’t be afraid to speak up. 👁‍🗨 Your voice matters!”
    • “If you see something, say something 👁‍🗨”
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/25\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/25\/What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-16.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Eye-Emoji-Mean-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The 🧿 emoji represents the Nazar amulet, a special protective talisman that directly counteracts the “evil eye.” [13] You can use it to add an extra layer of protection to a message or caption you’ve written about a special person in your life. Some people use 🧿 to express their well-wishes and hopes, too. [14]
    • “My girlfriend means the entire world to me 🧿”
    • “Happy New Year! Wishing you all health and wealth in the coming year 🧿”
    • Since the Nazar amulet has a deep cultural history, emoji enthusiasts advise against using it as a meaningless, colorful addition to your photo captions and posts.
    4. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      What Emojis Mean Sex?
      What Does the 🤍 White Heart Emoji Mean?
      The Top Emojis Guys Use when They Like or Love You
      The Top Emojis a Girl Will Use if She Likes You
      What Do All the Different Hand Emojis Mean?
      What XD Really Means in the Digital World
      What Does the 💚 Green Heart Emoji Mean?
      What Does the Melted Face Emoji 🫠 Mean?
      What Does the 🙌🙏 Two Hands Emoji Mean?
      What Does the 😘💋 Kiss Emoji Mean?
      What Does the 🤗 (Hugging Face) Emoji Mean?
      What Does the 👅 Tongue Emoji Mean?
      What Does the 🩵 (Light Blue Heart) Emoji Mean?
      What Does the 🥰 Smiling Face with Hearts Emoji Mean?
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://mojiedit.com/the-eyes-emoji/
      2. ↑ https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=%F0%9F%91%80
      3. ↑ https://mojiedit.com/the-eyes-emoji/
      4. ↑ https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=%F0%9F%91%80
      5. ↑ https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=%F0%9F%91%80
      6. ↑ https://mojiedit.com/the-eyes-emoji/
      7. ↑ https://mojiedit.com/the-eyes-emoji/
      8. ↑ https://whatemoji.org/eyes/
      9. ↑ https://whatemoji.org/eye/
      1. ↑ https://fortune.com/2020/06/30/it-is-what-it-is-meme-explained-fundraiser-tech-industry/
      2. ↑ https://www.wired.com/2015/10/i-am-a-witness-emoji-ios-9/
      3. ↑ https://whatemoji.org/eye-in-speech-bubble/
      4. ↑ https://www.aier.org/article/every-house-needs-a-nazar-amulet/
      5. ↑ https://whatemoji.org/nazar-amulet/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 98,355 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement