ʕ-́ᴥ-̀ʔっ What do emoticons and emojis mean and how do you draw them?

Emoticons have become an integral part of our digital communication. These little symbols help us to express emotions and make messages more lively and meaningful. Especially in small messages in forums or chats or as a direct message in a messenger app such as WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber. But what do the different emoticons really mean and how can you draw them yourself? From classic smileys to detailed graphics - find out more about the meanings of emoticons and learn how to create them yourself in just a few steps.

There are different types of emoticons that are used

1. Symbol emoticons: These are created using keyboard shortcuts and consist of simple characters and symbols. Examples are :-) for a smiling face and :-D for a laughing face.
2. ASCII-style emojis: These are generated by keyboard shortcuts and consist of simple characters and symbols. Examples are (ツ) for a smiling face and (⌒‿⌒) for a happy face.
3. Graphic emojis: These emoticons are more detailed representations of facial expressions and emotions. They are displayed as small images or icons, such as 😊 (smiling face with smiling eyes) and 😍 (smiling face with heart-shaped eyes).

Symbol emoticons

Emoticons, which consist of simple characters and symbols, were first used in the early 1980s. In 1982, computer scientist Scott Fahlman from Carnegie Mellon University suggested using the character combination :-) for a smiling face and :-( for a sad face to represent emotions in online communication. These simple symbol emoticons quickly spread and became an important part of digital communication.

Here are 40 symbol emoticons with their meanings and examples:

1. What does :-) mean?
   • Called: "Smiling face"
   • Meaning: Friendliness, satisfaction.
   • Example: Thank you for your help :-)
2. What does :-( mean?
   • Called: "Sad face"
   • Meaning: Sadness, disappointment.
   • Example: That made me really sad :-(
3. What does :-D mean?
   • Called: "Laughing face"
   • Meaning: Joy, laughter.
   • Example: That was really funny :-D
4. Meaning ;-)
   • Is called: "Winking face"
   • Meaning: Joke, irony.
   • Example: That was just a joke ;-)
5. Meaning :-P
   • Called: "Face with tongue stuck out"
   • Meaning: playfulness, joking.
   • Example: Of course, I'm ready :-P
6. What does :-O mean?
   • Called: "Surprised"
   • Meaning: Surprise, astonishment.
   • Example: I would never have thought that :-O
7. What does :-/ mean?
   • Is called: "Skeptical"
   • Meaning: doubt, skepticism.
   • Example: I'm not sure :-/
8. What does :-* mean?
   • Is called: "Kiss"
   • Meaning: affection, kiss.
   • Example: Good night, my darling :-*
9. What does :-| mean?
   • Called: "Neutral"
   • Meaning: indifference, neutrality.
   • Example: I have no opinion on this :-|
10. What does :-X mean?
    • Is called: "Silent"
    • Meaning: Silence, secrecy.
    • Example: I will not say anything :-X
11. What does :-! mean?
    • Called: "Embarrassed"
    • Meaning: embarrassment, awkwardness.
    • Example: I'm really embarrassed :-!
12. Meaning >:-(
    • Is called: "Annoyed"
    • Meaning: annoyance, frustration.
    • Example: That's not fair >:-(
13. What does :-\ mean
    • Is called: "Indecisive"
    • Meaning: indecision, hesitation.
    • Example: I don't know what to do :-\
14. What does :-# mean?
    • Is called: "Mouth taped shut"
    • Meaning: Secret, say nothing.
    • Example: This stays between us :-#
15. What does <3 mean?
    • Is called: "heart"
    • Meaning: love, affection.
    • Example: I love you <3
16. What does >:) mean?
    • Calls itself: "Nasty grin"
    • Meaning: maliciousness, mischievous laughter.
    • Example: I have a plan >:)
17. What does O:-) mean?
    • Calls itself: "Angel"
    • Meaning: innocence, virtue.
    • Example: I have done nothing wrong O:-)
18. What does :'-) mean?
    • Is called: "Tears of happiness"
    • Meaning: emotion, joy.
    • Example: That was so beautiful, I could cry :'-)
19. What does :-& mean?
    • Called: "Tongue knot"
    • Meaning: confusion, speechlessness.
    • Example: I am totally confused :-&
20. What does :-@ mean?
    • Is called: "Screaming"
    • Meaning: Anger, screaming.
    • Example: This is unbelievable :-@
21. What does :-$ mean?
    • Is called: "Shut your mouth"
    • Meaning: secrecy, secret.
    • Example: This stays between us :-$
22. What does :-^ mean?
    • Is called: "Sarcastic"
    • Meaning: sarcasm, irony.
    • Example: Oh, really? :-^
23. What does :-' mean?
    • Called: "Doubting"
    • Meaning: Uncertainty, doubt.
    • Example: I'm not sure :-'
24. What does :-9 mean?
    • Is called: "Delicious"
    • Meaning: Something tastes good, enjoyment.
    • Example: The food was fantastic :-9
25. What does :-c mean?
    • Is called: "Disappointed"
    • Meaning: Sadness, disappointment.
    • Example: That was not as expected :-c
26. What does :-b mean?
    • Is called: "Cheeky"
    • Meaning: playfulness, cheekiness.
    • Example: You are so cheeky :-b
27. What does :-t mean?
    • Is called: "Annoyed"
    • Meaning: Annoyed, frustrated.
    • Example: That really annoys me :-t
28. What does :-e mean?
    • Is called: "Horrified"
    • Meaning: Horrified, shocked.
    • Example: That's terrible :-e
29. What does :-? mean?
    • Called: "Questioning"
    • Meaning: confusion, uncertainty.
    • Example: What do you mean by :-?
30. What does :-d mean?
    • Called: "Delicious"
    • Meaning: Pleasure, good taste.
    • Example: That was delicious :-d
31. What does :-j mean?
    • Is called: "Wry smile"
    • Meaning: Irony, joke.
    • Example: Of course, definitely :-j
32. What does :-k mean?
    • Called: "Crossed arms"
    • Meaning: defense, dissatisfaction.
    • Example: I do not agree with this :-k
33. What does :-w mean?
    • Is called: "Doubting"
    • Meaning: Uncertainty, skepticism.
    • Example: I'm not sure :-w
34. What does :-y mean?
    • Is called: "Yawning"
    • Meaning: boredom, tiredness.
    • Example: This is so boring :-y
35. What does :-z mean?
    • Is called: "To sleep"
    • Meaning: tiredness, exhaustion.
    • Example: I am so tired :-z
36. What does :-! mean?
    • Is called: "Shocked"
    • Meaning: Surprise, shock.
    • Example: That's incredible :-!
37. What does :-h mean?
    • Is called: "Raise your hand"
    • Meaning: attention, notification.
    • Example: I have a question :-h
38. What does :-q mean?
    • Called: "gnashing of teeth"
    • Meaning: Frustration, anger.
    • Example: This makes me angry :-q
39. What does :-v mean?
    • Is called: "Talking"
    • Meaning: communication, speaking.
    • Example: We have to talk :-v
40. What does o/ \o mean?
    • Is called: "High five"
    • Meaning: Digital high-five with someone.
    • Example: Well done, o/ \o

ASCII art emojis

ASCII art emojis are small works of art created from the characters on a computer keyboard. They express emotions, animals or situations in a creative way and have developed into an art form in their own right in the digital age. Here are 50 cool ASCII art emojis and their meanings:

1. ʕ-́ᴥ-̀ʔ - A cute bear.
2. (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻ - Frustration, "overturning the table".
3. ಠ_ಠ - disapproval or skepticism.
4. (づ｡◕‿‿◕｡)づ - embrace, love or support.
5. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ - "I don't know" / resignation.
6. ʘ‿ʘ - Enthusiastic or surprised.
7. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) - Lenny face, mischievous.
8. ლ(ಠ益ಠლ) - Expression of impatience or frustration.
9. (^‿^v) - Happy face with a peace sign.
10. (-ω-) - Cute, neutral face.
11. ヽ('▽｀)ノ - Joy, dancing or waving.
12. (-_-)ゞ゛ - Salute or a "Yes, sir!" expression.
13. (>_<) - Pain, frustration or disappointment.
14. (⌐■_■■) - Cool, with sunglasses.
15. (✿♥‿♥✿) - Love and joy with Blum.
16. ⊂(◉‿◉)つ - Happy and ready for a hug.
17. [¬º-°]¬ - Zombie or imitating something scary.
18. (☞ﾟ∀ﾟ)☞ - "Look at that!" or to acknowledge someone.
19. (*^▽^*) - Overjoyed or laughing.
20. (っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ - To offer heart or show love.
21. °‿‿° - Friendly smile.
22. (*≧ω≦) - Enthusiastic or extremely happy.
23. (✧ω✧) - Amazement or admiration.
24. (｡♥‿♥｡) - In love or enchanted.
25. (ಥ﹏ಥ) - Crying or sadness.
26. (/◕ヮ◕)/ - Celebrating or excited.
27. (-‿-) - Satisfied or happy.
28. ٩(◕‿◕｡)۶ - Cheering or dancing.
29. (¬‿¬) - Mischievous or sly.
30. (⊙_☉) - Shocked or surprised.
31. (-_-)>⌐■-■ - Coolness, like putting on sunglasses.
32. (✿◠‿◠) - Cheerful and peaceful.
33. (⊃｡-́‿-̀｡)⊃ - Virtual hug.
34. (╯︵╰,) - Sad or disappointed.
35. (^人^) - Praying or showing gratitude.
36. (*>_<*) - Embarrassed or shy.
37. =＾● ⋏ ●＾= - Cute cat.
38. (*￣m￣) - Giggle or hide a smile.
39. ◕‿↼ - To wink or wink.
40. (¬_¬) - Annoyed or skeptical.
41. (≖‿≖) - Mischievous or sly.
42. ◉_◉ - Surprise or shock.
43. (ᵔᴥᵔ) - Cute dog.
44. ( ಠ ͜ʖರೃ) - Mischievous and mysterious.
45. (ノಠ益ಠ)ノ彡┻━┻ - Extreme frustration, "overturning the table".
46. (☞ﾟヮﾟ)☞ - Showing cheerfulness.
47. (づ￣ ³￣)づ - Sending kisses or hugs.
48. ｡◕‿◕｡ - Satisfied and happy.
49. (✖╭╮✖) - Disappointed or sad.
50. (ʘ‿ʘ) - Enthusiastic or curious.

These little works of art can liven up conversations, convey emotions or simply make you smile. ASCII art emojis are a creative and fun way to express yourself.

Graphic emojis

Graphic emojis are detailed, pictorial representations of emotions and facial expressions. They are displayed as small icons or images and are usually colorful and expressive. Examples include 😊 (smiling face with smiling eyes) and 😍 (smiling face with heart-shaped eyes). These graphic emoji are integrated into almost all modern communication platforms and enable a more precise and visually appealing representation of feelings compared to the simple symbol emoticons. They are often used to add a personal touch and more expressiveness to messages.

40 of the most popular emojis, their meanings and examples:

1. What does emoji 😊 mean?
   • Name: "Smiling face with smiling eyes"
   • Meaning: Friendliness, gratitude, satisfaction.
   • Example: "Thank you for your help! 😊"
2. What does emoji 😂 mean?
   • Is called: "Laughing face with tears of joy"
   • Meaning: Uncontrollable laughter, very funny.
   • Example: "That joke was too good! 😂"
3. What does emoji ❤️ mean?
   • Is called: "Red heart"
   • Meaning: Love, affection, strong emotions.
   • Example: "I love you so much! ❤️"
4. What does emoji 😍 mean?
   • Name: "Smiling face with heart-shaped eyes"
   • Meaning: In love, admiration, infatuation.
   • Example: "The new car is fantastic! 😍"
5. What does emoji 😢 mean?
   • Is called: "Crying face"
   • Meaning: Sadness, disappointment, compassion.
   • Example: "I miss you so much. 😢"
6. What does emoji 😎 mean?
   • Called: "Smiling face with sunglasses"
   • Meaning: Coolness, self-confidence, nonchalance.
   • Example: "We won the game! 😎"
7. What does emoji 🙏 mean?
   • Is called: "Folded hands"
   • Meaning: Gratitude, request, praying.
   • Example: "Thank you for your support! 🙏"
8. What does emoji 🎉 mean?
   • Is called: "Party popper"
   • Meaning: Celebration, congratulations, joy.
   • Example: "Happy birthday! 🎉"
9. What does emoji 🤔 mean?
   • Is called: "Thoughtful face"
   • Meaning: Thinking, doubt, uncertainty.
   • Example: "What do you think? 🤔"
10. What does emoji 👍 mean?
    • Is called: "Thumbs up"
    • Meaning: Approval, recognition, support.
    • Example: "Good work! 👍"
11. What does emoji 😜 mean?
    • Called: "Face with tongue stuck out"
    • Meaning: Playfulness, joke.
    • Example: "That was a joke! 😜"
12. What does emoji 🤗 mean?
    • Is called: "Hugging face"
    • Meaning: Hug, affection, support.
    • Example: "I'm here for you. 🤗"
13. What does emoji 😡 mean?
    • Is called: "Angry face"
    • Meaning: Anger, frustration, rage.
    • Example: "That's not fair! 😡"
14. What does emoji 😭 mean?
    • Is called: "Loud crying face"
    • Meaning: Intense sadness, pain.
    • Example: "I can't believe it. 😭"
15. What does emoji 💔 mean?
    • Is called: "Broken heart"
    • Meaning: Heartbreak, sadness, separation.
    • Example: "That really hurt me. 💔"
16. What does emoji 🌟 mean?
    • Is called: "Glittering star"
    • Meaning: Success, brilliance, special achievement.
    • Example: "You did a great job! 🌟"
17. What does emoji 👏 mean?
    • Is called: "Clapping hands"
    • Meaning: Applause, recognition, approval.
    • Example: "Well done! 👏"
18. What does emoji 😇 mean?
    • Called: "Smiling face with halo"
    • Meaning: Innocence, purity, good intention.
    • Example: "I haven't done anything wrong. 😇"
19. What does emoji 🤩 mean?
    • Is called: "Smiling face with starry eyes"
    • Meaning: Amazement, admiration, excitement.
    • Example: "The concert was incredible! 🤩"
20. What does emoji 💪 mean?
    • Is called: "Curved biceps"
    • Meaning: Strength, determination, motivation.
    • Example: "We can do it! 💪"
21. What does emoji 😋 mean?
    • Is called: "Licking your lips face"
    • Meaning: Something tastes delicious. A person is attractive.
    • Example: "The new colleague is fantastic! 😋"
22. What does emoji 😴 mean?
    • Is called: "Sleeping face"
    • Meaning: tiredness, sleep.
    • Example: "I'm so tired. 😴"
23. What does emoji 😠 mean?
    • Is called: "Angry face"
    • Meaning: Anger, annoyance, frustration.
    • Example: "That's so unfair! 😠"
24. What does emoji 😞 mean?
    • Is called: "Disappointed face"
    • Meaning: Disappointment, sadness.
    • Example: "That disappointed me. 😞"
25. What does emoji 😳 mean?
    • Is called: "Blushing face"
    • Meaning: Embarrassment, shyness.
    • Example: "I'm embarrassed. 😳"
26. What does emoji 😍 mean?
    • Called: "Smiling face with heart-shaped eyes"
    • Meaning: Being in love, admiration, crush.
    • Example: "The new car is fantastic! 😍"
27. What does emoji 🤓 mean?
    • Is called: "Nerd face"
    • Meaning: Intelligence, shyness.
    • Example: "I love science. 🤓"
28. What does emoji 😈 mean?
    • Name: "Smiling face with horns"
    • Meaning: Mischievous, mischief.
    • Example: "I was playing a prank. 😈"
29. What does emoji 😅 mean?
    • Name: "Smiling face with drops of sweat"
    • Meaning: Relief, nervousness.
    • Example: "That was close! 😅"
30. What does emoji 🥺 mean?
    • Is called: "Pleading face"
    • Meaning: Please, sadness.
    • Example: "Can you help me? 🥺"
31. What does emoji 😜 mean?
    • Called: "Face with tongue sticking out"
    • Meaning: Playfulness, joke.
    • Example: "That was a joke! 😜"
32. What does emoji 🤯 mean?
    • Is called: "Exploding head"
    • Meaning: Astonishment, shock.
    • Example: "That's incredible! 🤯"
33. What does emoji 🥳 mean?
    • Is called: "Party face"
    • Meaning: Celebration, joy.
    • Example: "Happy birthday! 🥳"
34. What does emoji 🤮 mean?
    • Is called: "Vomiting face"
    • Meaning: Disgust, nausea.
    • Example: "That's disgusting. 🤮"
35. What does emoji 🥰 mean?
    • Called: "Smiling face with a heart"
    • Meaning: Love, affection.
    • Example: "I'm so in love. 🥰"
36. What does emoji 🤤 mean?
    • Is called: "Drooling face"
    • Meaning: Desire, lust.
    • Example: "The food looks delicious. 🤤"
37. What does emoji 😤 mean?
    • Is called: "Triumphant face"
    • Meaning: Pride, self-confidence.
    • Example: "I did well. 😤"
38. What does emoji 😭 mean?
    • Is called: "Loud crying face"
    • Meaning: Intense sadness, pain.
    • Example: "I can't believe it. 😭"
39. What does emoji 😬 mean?
    • Is called: "Grimace face"
    • Meaning: Discomfort, embarrassment.
    • Example: "That was awkward. 😬"
40. What does emoji 🙃 mean?
    • Is called: "Upside-down face"
    • Meaning: Irony, sarcasm, double entendre, joke.
    • Example: "I just couldn't resist. 🙃"