Used to show surprise, shock, or mild embarrassment — like gasping “Oh my gosh!” It can express being caught off guard, hearing gossip, or realizing you said something awkward.
Your friend just revealed they accidentally texted their crush instead of you.
Wait, you actually sent it to him?? 🫢
You just found out your quiet coworker used to be in a rock band.
No way, you played the drums?? 🫢 That’s actually so cool!
Can hint at “I know a secret” or “that’s spicy gossip,” often with a playful, conspiratorial tone.
Using 🫢 after serious news can feel flippant or insensitive; save it for light surprises, not bad updates or condolences.
See what they share and how they differ to choose the right one.
More on face with hand over mouth
Both 🫢 face with open eyes and hand over mouth and 🤭 face with hand over mouth convey a covered-mouth reaction and can signal surprise, shock, or an attempt to hide an immediate emotional response; they both work in casual chats to react to unexpected statements, revelations, or slightly awkward moments. The key difference is tone and intent: 🫢 reads as genuine astonishment or mild embarrassment—wide-eyed, like you were truly taken aback or realized you’d said something uncomfortable—whereas 🤭 feels more playful and mischievous, the kind of suppressed laugh or cheeky gasp you use when something is naughty, amusing, or delightfully scandalous; use 🤭 when you want to hint at humor, flirtation, or a sly “oops, did I just say that?” rather than solemn surprise. The scenarios shift accordingly: choose 🫢 for being shocked, caught off guard, or embarrassed in a sincere way, and choose 🤭 to convey giggles, flirtatious secrecy, or a teasing, lighthearted cover-up of your reaction.
You might send 🫢 if someone tells unexpected news, an awkward confession, or gossip that genuinely surprises you. Use 🤭 if you’re reacting to something cheeky, making a playful admission, or trying to hide a giggle at a slightly naughty or amusing comment.
Related emojis that share similar meanings or usage.
