Used to show that you’re being a little geeky, book-smart, or proudly awkward. It’s playful self-mockery — like saying “yes, I’m a nerd and I know it.” Often softens bragging about knowledge or enthusiasm for something technical or niche.
There was a stubborn system issue nobody could fix, and you solved it overnight by digging all the way down to the root cause.
I literally wrote a custom script just to debug the whole thing 🤓
Can also express quiet pride in being knowledgeable or passionate about something others might find “nerdy.”
Overusing it in work chats can come off as smug or condescending, especially if others don’t share your enthusiasm.
In some cultures and subcultures — especially academic communities and tech circles — being a “nerd” is seen as admirable rather than awkward. The emoji can signal confidence in expertise and pride in intelligence instead of playful self-mockery.
See what they share and how they differ to choose the right one.
Both have expressive faces and focused eyes. 🤓 conveys playful nerdiness and proud awkwardness, hinting at bookish enthusiasm. 😏 feels sly and quietly confident. Its smile suggests teasing or knowing more than is admitted. The tone of 😏 is more suggestive and mischievous, less earnest and self-deprecating. While 🤓 reads as warm and affable, 😏 comes across as privately amused and a touch provocative.
Use 🤓 when you’re describing your own curious or bookish enthusiasm and want to be endearing about being a bit nerdy. Use 😏 when you want to tease, hint that you have an edge or secret, or send a flirtatious, confident aside.
Related emojis that share similar meanings or usage.
