How to Respond to the Eye Emoji

Co-authored by John Keegan and Kai Hynes

Last Updated: March 16, 2022

The 👀 (eye emoji), also known as the side-eye or “the eyes,” is as versatile as it is mysterious. Like most emojis, the 👀 (eye emoji) can have different meanings depending on the context. That being said, the eye emoji is probably most often used for making funny observations, being nosy, or flirting. However it’s being used, we’ve got you covered on emojis and texts you can send to respond to the mischievous 👀.

1

Respond to a scandalous joke with a 😂 (tears of joy emoji).

Send one of these to say, “I shouldn’t laugh at that, but I can’t help it!” When someone adds 👀 to a dirty or controversial joke, it can mean, “Who said that? It wasn’t me.” In this context, crying emojis show that you’re bursting-at-the-seams with laughter.^{[1]
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- If the joke makes you crack up so hard you might faint or die, send 💀.

2

Back your friend’s opinion up with a 💯 (hundred emoji).

Some people use 👀 when they say something they’re not supposed to say. They might’ve sent a rude or otherwise inappropriate remark. The fact that they’re telling you means they trust you to not hate them for saying it! Show them you’re 100% behind them by sending this emoji back.^{[2]
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- For example, if they ask, “Was it just me, or was that party super lame? 👀” send back “💯 you’re so right.”

3

Send a 😶 (mouthless face) to show your lips are sealed.

People sometimes use 👀 emoji to show that they’re being nosy. If they’re trying to prod juicy gossip or info out of you, use this emoji to show them that you’re unsure if you should tell them or that you really don’t know the answer.^{[3]
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- For example, “😶 I have no idea what you’re talking about!”
- This might not stop them from asking again, so be prepared to either give them the truth or tell them you can’t.
- On the other hand, by all means, tell them if you want to!

4

Tell them the feeling is mutual with your own 👀 (eye emoji).

In a flirty context, 👀 can show someone you’re interested. It’s almost like the sender is peeking at the other person, or trying to make eye contact across a crowded room. Send one back to tell them that you see them, and you’re looking right back at them!^{[4]
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- For example, if someone says “Hey 👀,” you can send them “Hi 👀” back.
- This can be a fun and silly way to start off a flirty exchange.

5

Start a friendly conversation with a neutral 👋 (waving) emoji.

Try this one out if you’re not sure about the intentions behind the 👀. For instance, if the 👀 was used flirtatiously but you’re not quite ready to get down to the nitty-gritty, just say hi and see where things go from there. This is a way to show that you’re interested in chatting without committing to anything or getting their hopes up.^{[5]
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- This can show less mutual attraction than sending 👀 back.

6

Add a 😉 (winking face) to make any response cheekier.

To answer a curious 👀, send a wink their way to show that you’re down to flirt. Use this to test the waters before taking the conversation in a spicier direction. The winking emoji lets you play it cool and wait for the other person to make their move.^{[6]
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- For example, if they say “Hi handsome 👀,” you can send back “Hi 😉.”
- Add this to almost anything to make it flirtier.
- For example, compare “I’m not doing anything” to “I’m not doing anything. 😉”
- Think of this as a PG-rated response to a flirty 👀.

7

Reply to flirty compliment with a suave 😎 (sunglasses emoji).

If someone uses 👀 to say they’re interested in you, show them you know your worth. This calm and collected 😎 (sunglasses) emoji says, “Yeah, I know.” Being a little cool and aloof can be both attractive to them and empowering for you!^{[7]
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- For example, use this if someone says, “Wow, I can’t stop staring at that photo of you. 👀”
- To add a little sass, try using 💅 or 💁‍♀️ instead.

8

Play coy with a seemingly innocent 🙈 (monkey) or 😇 (angel).

Win their heart with cute reactions. If the 👀 was used in a flirty way, pretending to be embarrassed can make you look extra cute. In this context, it says, “Me? I have no idea what you’re talking about.” This can be a funny and cute way to get them to keep saying nice things to you or play hard to get.^{[8]
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- For example, you could use this if they say, “You’re soooo cute. 👀”

9

Send a 😈 (devil) to hint at your naughty side .

Add this emoji to your response to 👀 to take a flirty conversation to the next level. This is a sexier version of 😉 that you can use to show the other person that you mean business!^{[9]
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- Add this emoji in place of 😉 to make your message a little more sexually charged.
- For example, compare “Want to do something fun? 😉” to “Want to do something fun? 😈”
- Think of this as a PG13-rated response to a flirty 👀.

10

Reply with a 🍑 (peach) or 🍆 (eggplant).

Respond to 👀 with these emojis to turn up the heat. Don’t be fooled by the fact that these emojis are usually in the food section of emoji keyboards! This fruit and vegetable duo has dirty implications. Use them for a not-so-subtle invitation to take the conversation further.^{[10]
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- Only use these in place of 😉 or 😈 if you know the other person will be into it, too!
- You could also send a 👅 or 💦 to get the same message across.
- Think of these as R-rated responses to a flirty 👀.

11

Send a 😒 (unamused face) to show that you’re annoyed or disagree.

Use this emoji if the other person’s 👀was rude or inappropriate. Got an unwelcome flirtatious comment or a bad joke? A quick 😒 says “I’m not amused” and can shut the other person down.^{[11]
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- For example, use this if someone you’re not interested in says, “Hi sexy. 👀”
- Alternatively, use this if someone makes a joke that you really don’t think is cool to say.