You’ve likely seen the 😉 (winking face) emoji everywhere, but what does it actually mean? Known as the winking face, this emoji is often used in flirty or teasing situations. We’ve compiled an easy-to-follow guide to help you understand everything about this familiar symbol. Keep reading to learn the meaning and usage of the 😉 (winking face) emoji.
Steps
Meaning of the 😉 (winking face) emoji

The 😉 emoji is a universal symbol of flirtation. If someone sends you a 😉 along with a message that makes your heart race, they probably like you! This emoticon hints at someone’s affectionate feelings.
- “Are you free later? 😉”
- “I couldn’t take my eyes off you last night 😉”

You might see a 😉 used to express humor. Jokes in messages aren’t always as obvious as in real life, so someone might add a 😉 to imply, “Hey, I’m just kidding!” It’s a playful and humorous way to lighten the mood and bring a smile.
- “What always comes but never arrives? Tomorrow 😉”
- “What’s cold but everyone loves it? The bank 😉😂”

Some people use a 😉 to reveal a secret. When someone is hiding something, they might add a 😉 to their message. They’re “letting you in” on a secret, and the wink is their way of giving you a hint.
- “Not that I’m saying anything, but Quyen dyed her hair 😉”
- “Want to know what I overheard during recess today? 😉”

The 😉 emoji can also convey sarcasm. Someone might add a 😉 to a seemingly normal message to turn it into a sarcastic remark. It’s a way of telling the recipient not to take their words too seriously.
- “Yeah. I’m totally not going to text him 😉”
- “Definitely going to bed on time tonight 😉”

A 😉 can signal mischief. When would you wink in real life? If you’re plotting something, you might wink at your best friend. The 😉 emoji in messages carries a similar meaning. People might place it at the end of a message to say, “I’ve got something fun planned.”
- “You have no idea what I’m capable of 😉”
- “Ready for tonight? 😉”
How to use the 😉 (winking face) emoji

When you're flirting: Use a 😉 to say, “Hey, I like you.” This playful flirting symbol shows your charm and can turn a casual message into a flirtatious one. Pair it with other flirty emojis like ❤️ and 😍, and you’re sure to catch their attention.
- “I don’t want to hang out with anyone else 😉❤️”
- “She won’t eat you, my love 😉”

When you’re making an inside joke: If you’re chatting in a group, use a 😉 to make a joke that only your group will understand. It’s a great way to keep the fun going.
- “You’re such a llama 😉”
- “PIZZAAA 😉🍕”

When you’re sharing a secret: Send a message revealing a secret with a 😉 to indicate it’s not for everyone’s ears. This emoji signals the recipient to keep it under wraps. Add a 🤫 alongside the wink if your secret is too juicy.
- “If I tell you this, you have to promise not to tell anyone 😉”
- “Mom put beans in the brownies 😉🤫”

When you’re being sarcastic: Use a 😉 to say, “Yeah, sure.” Whether you’re sending a sarcastic message or reacting to a friend’s silly antics, a 😉 can add a harmless touch of irony.
- “I totally trust you 😉”
- “You’re always right 😉”

When you’re up to some mischief: Add a 😉 to your message to let a friend know you’ve got something up your sleeve. If you’re planning a prank, nothing beats a playful 😉 to say, “I’ve got something fun planned.”
- “I’ve got a plan 😉”
- “Don’t worry. Everything will work out 😉💖”
Variations of the 😉 (winking face) emoji

There are many ways to create a 😉. If your device doesn’t support emojis, you can easily craft a wink using keyboard symbols. Next time you want to wink, copy and paste one of these clever alternatives:
- ;)
- ;D
- ;]
- ;- )
- (^_~)
- (‐° ͜ ˇ‐)
- (>ω^)