What Does the 👀🥺 Big Eye Emoji Mean?

Co-authored by Madeleine Flamiano

Last Updated: April 8, 2022 Fact Checked

Are you staring at the 👀 (eyes) emoji or 🥺 (pleading face) emoji and wondering what they're telling you? Maybe those big eyes seem to have a hidden message behind them. Don't worry⁠—we looked into the matter for you. Our article will reveal what those big eye emojis mean and cover how to use them in your own texts. Read on and use the 👀 (eyes) emoji and 🥺 (pleading face) emoji in ways that'll make everyone's eyes pop!

Section 1 of 3:

👀 (Eyes) Emoji Meanings and Usage

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The 👀 shows you’re gawking at drama. In this case, the 👀 represents the classic “side-eye.” If there’s an outrageous situation you just can’t look away from, then post the 👀 to admit you’re keeping track of every juicy detail.^{[1]
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- “Wow, what an epic Twitter feud. 🐦💥 I can’t look away. 👀”
- “This is the stupidest Internet argument in existence. 👀🍿 I’m loving every second of it.”
- “My friends are in a heated debate about the hottest actor in the MCU. 👀 The hills people are willing to die on, lol. ⛰️”
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A 👀 announces that you notice some tension. When you just walk in and the energy shifts, the 👀 tells everyone you’ve spotted a big change. The 👀 is also a great way to drum up sympathy when you’re a bit anxious.
- “My ex works the morning shift at my favorite cafe now. 👀 Awkward.”
- “Stuck in the elevator with my least favorite resident. 👀 Oh joy.”
- “In a poetry workshop, and I’m pretty sure everyone is about to tear me to shreds. 👀 🔪📝”
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If a message is left on “read,” a 👀 says you’re still waiting for a response. In this situation, a 👀 is best if you’re feeling really brave or if you’re comfortable being playful with someone. If you want to joke that they’re super behind on getting back to you, a 👀 might just inspire them to answer.
- “So…I sent that a week ago. 👀 What’re your thoughts?”
- “👀 Did I say something wrong? Maybe I should rephrase that…”
- “Just so you know…I can see your ‘read’ receipts…👀”
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The 👀 highlights that you’re checking someone out. If a hottie’s a total head-turner, a 👀 makes your crush clear. Chat with your friends about a cutie who’s caught your eye, or give a potential love interest a subtle compliment.^{[2]
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- “Whoa, I’m at the club and just saw Skylar. 👀 He looks different outside of class. 🥵”
- “Do you model? 👀 You should.”
- “A girl in the tallest platform boots just walked by. 👀 I live for that gothy vibe. 🖤”

Section 2 of 3:

🥺 (Pleading Face) Emoji Meanings and Usage

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A 🥺 helps you beg for what you want. Feeling really persuasive? Hit someone with those hard-to-resist puppy eyes. With the 🥺, you’re more likely to convince someone to give in or take your side.^{[3]
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- “Can you please go to the party with me? 🥺 I’ll feel out of place without you.”
- “We are not doing takeout again! ❌ 🥡 Can we cook something from scratch tonight? 🥺”
- “Hop on Steam? 🥺 I can’t do this raid without you! 🖥️ ⚔️”
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The 🥺 expresses how sad you are. Worried or guilty about a little slip-up? Make a sincere apology with the 🥺. Tearful over a personal hardship? A 🥺 will express how overwhelmed you are and encourage your friends to support you.
- “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. 🥺 It was just a joke. I love your Tumblr….it isn’t emo.”
- “There’s a massive thunderstorm, so my flight was canceled. 🥺 There goes my spring break. ⛈️”
- “The world feels so chaotic right now. 🌎🔥 I hope that changes soon. 🥺”
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If you want to point out cuteness, a 🥺 adds a special touch. Dying to share some top-shelf wholesome content? Leave a 🥺 on your post so no one misses it. They’ll be glad they got a dose of sweetness.
- “I know baby rhinos are super dangerous, but look at this one take its first steps! 🦏 🥺”
- “Penguins are too precious. 🐧🥺 We must protect them at all costs!”
- “OMG, this vid of Kid President! 🥺 What a blast from the past. He’s still right about everything! 🙌”
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When you want to flirt, the 🥺 proves you’re totally swooning. Are you wide-eyed and smitten over someone? Confess that you have either a budding crush or a true passion for them with the endearing 🥺. You’ll make their heart ache with how adorable you are.^{[4]
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- “You have a special power over me. 🥺 Are you sure you’re not a super heroine? 🦸🏾‍♀️”
- “Want to go to the movies? 🥺 I need someone to cuddle with during this horror flick.”
- “Even after all these years, I’m still thankful you’re my partner. 🥺 I must’ve been awesome in a past life. ✨”

Section 3 of 3:

Related Emojis

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Try out other emojis to say a moment’s a real eye-opener. Maybe you realized you have feelings for someone. You might also be overwhelmed by a sweet surprise or a shocking event. Whatever the case is, these fun options tell the world that you can barely believe what you’re seeing:
- 🥺👉👈 = “shy around a crush”
- 😳 = “blushing around a crush”
- 🥺😭 = “I can’t hold back my tears any longer”
- 👁👄👁 = “it is what it is,” “that’s weird, but okay”
- 👀🍿 = “time to grab the popcorn”
- 🐸☕ = “but that’s none of my business,” “sipping the tea”
- ❌💼😈 = “it’s not my business but I’m still butting in”
- 😛🍰 = “that’s really sweet!”
- O.O, O_O = “OMG!”