What Does the ???? (Face with Hand over Mouth) Emoji Mean?

• The ???? (face with hand over mouth) emoji is used to mean someone is laughing, embarrassed, or shocked about something.
• The ???? (face with open eyes and hand over mouth) emoji is used to express shock or secrecy.
• The ???? (shushing face) and ???? (zipper-mouth face) emojis can also be used when you’re trying to be secretive, and the ???? (astonished face) also conveys surprise.

???? (Face with Hand over Mouth) Emoji Meanings

The ???? emoji represents cheeky or mischievous laughter. You might use the ???? emoji to laugh at something—especially if it’s something the other person said. You can also use ???? if you’re telling a story about wanting to laugh at something funny but needing to hold in your laughter, instead. For example: Omg I wanted to laugh during that presentation so bad!! Had to cover my mouth to get through it ????” “Just watched the comedy special you recommended. So funny!! ????????” You might also get this emoji from a girl (or guy) who's crushing on you if they're trying to be coy!

The ???? emoji conveys coy embarrassment about something. If you did something silly or mildly embarrassing without meaning to, using the ???? emoji is a bit like playfully saying, “Oops!” The ???? emoji can be a fun way to acknowledge something embarrassing without taking it too seriously either. “I may or may not have burped loudly on my blind date tonight, lol! ????” “Sooo, I think I grabbed your earbuds by mistake. ???? Oops! I can return them today.”

The ???? emoji depicts seeing something shocking. After seeing something unexpected, the ???? emoji can help show someone that you were totally lost for words! Because it has crinkled, smiling eyes, this usually applies to positive things—but you could use it to describe any kind of shocking situation. “I got a raise out of nowhere today! Still kind of shocked, but so excited! ????” “My cat figured out how to climb the bookshelf! I was surprised, but tbh, it’s hilarious to watch! ????”

???? (Face with Open Eyes and Hand over Mouth) Emoji Meanings

The ???? emoji conveys a feeling of shock and surprise. Like ????, the ???? emoji also represents shock—although it’s generally more serious. It can also be used to express concern, as though you’re saying, “Oh, my!” without words. However, it ultimately applies any kind of shock or astonishment. “I can’t believe it! ???? Someone just told off the boss in this meeting!” “You’re feeling sick? Oh no! ???? You seemed fine yesterday…”

The ???? emoji represents keeping secrets or avoiding certain topics. Use the ???? emoji when you want to reassure someone that you’ll keep one of their secrets. On the other hand, you can use it to let someone know that you don’t really want to talk about a specific topic—or that you promised someone you wouldn’t reveal a secret of theirs. “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me! ????” “Can we chat about something else? I promised Liv I wouldn’t talk about that without her. ????”

Responding to the ???? Emoji

React to the joke and laugh along with them. When someone uses the ???? to tell you a funny story, let them know that you appreciate the anecdote and you’re laughing, too! Chances are, they’ll be even happier knowing they brought a smile to your face. Them: “So then I just had to run out of the room and hope nobody saw me! Wild, right? ????” You: “LOL that’s hilarious! ???? Did anyone say something afterward?”

Reassure them if they talk about something embarrassing. If the person you’re messaging shares an embarrassing experience, let them know it’s okay, and you don’t think any less of them. If you’re close with them, you might also be able to tease them gently—but be kind and understanding above all. Them: “I totally dropped my card in the toilet for the SECOND time this month. ????” You: “Aw, I’m sorry! That’s definitely not fun to fish out—although it’s a little funny too. ????”

Share your thoughts on whatever they witnessed. If a friend sees something shocking and wants you to know about it, give them your honest perspective of the situation. There's a good chance they’re looking for someone to talk about it with (and want to share their thoughts, too). Them: “He just quit in front of everyone! It was crazy! ????” You: “Whoa, I was not expecting that. ???? Honestly, though, good for him!” Them: “I know, right? I was a little tempted to follow, not gonna lie.”

Responding to the ???? Emoji

Ask for more information about their shocking experience. When you get a message about a more serious and shocking experience, it’s only natural to want the full story. Ask them to elaborate if they haven’t already, so you can get all the details (and have an informed opinion on the situation). Them: “Did you hear about Liam and Ava? ????” You: “No! Wait, what happened?? ????”

React with understanding or thank them for keeping a secret. If someone uses the ???? emoji to say that they can’t talk about something, let them know that it’s okay—after all, you’d want them to respectfully keep your secrets, too! Conversely, if they use ???? to tell you that your secret is safe with them, let them know how much you appreciate them. Them: “Hey, don’t worry about it. I won’t tell anyone about this until you’re ready! ????” You: “Thank you! I’m so grateful to have someone to talk to I can trust. ????????”

Similar Emojis

???? (Rolling on the Floor Laughing) The ???? emoji depicts laughing at something so hard you’re almost crying! That’s why it paints such a vivid picture when you send it along with the ???? emoji while talking about something funny. “Lol, I’ve been laughing for the last 5 minutes! ????????” “Saw my dad work way too hard to catch a bug and I’ve never laughed harder, tbh ????????”

???? (Speak No Evil Monkey) The ???? emoji conveys playful embarrassment along with ????. Since both emojis depict a similar gesture (a hand over a mouth), they also have similar meanings—so pair them together or use them interchangeably when you want to say something a little embarrassing or playful. “My teacher put me on the spot today, it was sooo awkward ????” “I was so embarrassed I just had to get out of there, lol ????????”

???? (Shushing Face) Like ????, the ???? emoji can tell someone you’re being secretive or don’t want to discuss a particular topic. So, you can use both emojis together or choose between them if you want to indicate when you’re keeping a secret. “I won’t say a word! ????” “Sorry, I’m totally sworn to secrecy ????????”

???? (Zipper-Mouth Face) Ever heard the phrase, “Zip your lip” or “My lips are sealed?” The ???? emoji actually depicts a zipped-up mouth, which is why it’s perfect for combining with ???? to show someone that you intend to keep a secret. “Your secret is safe with me! ????????” “Back up, I can’t talk about that yet! ????????”

???? (Astonished Face) Since ???? depicts an expression of surprise, it works great when paired with either ???? or ????. Use it to show someone that you’ve seen or heard something truly shocking. “I saw the craziest thing on the bus today! ????????” “I saw my cousin play guitar, and I’m stunned. She’s so good! ????????”