Used to show sly confidence or playful teasing. It can suggest โI know something you donโt,โ or a light flirt, depending on tone and context.
Your crush compliments your outfit and you want to sound confident but flirty.
Take a wild guess who I got all dressed up for ๐
Your friend asks if thereโs any trick to passing a Google interview.
Letโs just say I learned a few thingsโฆ not from a Jedi ๐
๐ can read as smug or flirty, sometimes even a little suggestive. In work chats or with acquaintances, it may feel inappropriateโswitch to ๐ or ๐ if you just want friendly confidence.
See what they share and how they differ to choose the right one.
More on smiling face with horns
Both ๐ smirking face and ๐ smiling face with horns convey playful, teasing tones and can be used in flirting, banter, or to suggest mischievous intent while implying confidence; they both signal that the sender is enjoying a cheeky or knowing moment. The key difference is that ๐ often reads as sly, subtle, and suggestiveโa private hint of โI know something you donโtโ or a light, flirtatious teaseโwhereas ๐ feels bolder and more overtly mischievous, portraying active, daring playfulness or a mock-sinister wink that says โIโm up to no good.โ Use ๐ for understated, coy, or slightly flirtatious remarks when you want to hint without escalating, and choose ๐ when you want to amp up the cheekiness into clear, spirited mischief or a daring tease.
You might use ๐ when you want to imply a private joke or light flirt without being too forward. Use ๐ when you want to signal bold mischief or a more overtly playful, daring mood.
Related emojis that share similar meanings or usage.
