Used when you’re pretending you didn’t say something, or when you’ve said something embarrassing and wish you hadn’t. It’s a playful way to show “oops, my bad” or “I’ll stay quiet now.”
You accidentally reveal your friend’s secret in a group chat.
I didn’t just say that… right? 🙊
Can also mean “I’m keeping this secret,” often used in flirty or gossip contexts.
In Japan, part of the “Three Wise Monkeys” trio（見ざる・聞かざる・言わざる）symbolizing “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.” In Japan, 🙊 leans more toward self-discipline or restraint rather than silliness.
If overused in serious chats, it may come off as avoiding responsibility rather than being cute.
See what they share and how they differ to choose the right one.
More on face with open eyes and hand over mouth
Both 🙊 speak-no-evil monkey and 🫢 face with open eyes and hand over mouth convey embarrassment and a playful desire to retract or hide a remark, and both can soften awkward moments with a lighthearted tone. Where they differ is in intensity and context: 🙊 feels coy and self-effacing, like admitting “oops, my bad” or playfully insisting you’ll be quiet, often used to downplay something you said or to feign innocence; 🫢 reads as more startled and reactive, suited to genuine surprise, mild shock, or being caught off guard by gossip or an unexpected revelation, with its open eyes and hand-over-mouth suggesting a sharper gasp and immediate emotional reaction. Use 🙊 when you want to tease or apologize in a sheepish, joking way; choose 🫢 when the moment is more about sudden realization, astonishment, or being momentarily speechless from shock or scandal.
If you’re playfully admitting a small faux pas or pretending you didn’t say something, use 🙊 to keep the mood light and self-deprecating. If you’re reacting to surprising news, gossip, or a sudden awkward realization, use 🫢 to convey genuine shock or a startled gasp.
Related emojis that share similar meanings or usage.
