Every emoji, explained

A plain happy face — the default smile, with no subtext either way

Big open-mouthed laughter — the text version of "XD"

Genuinely delighted — a grin so wide the eyes are smiling too

Laughing so hard you are literally on the floor — the literal ROFL

Laughing so hard you cry — the classic, now slightly dated laugh

A polite smile that usually means the opposite of friendly

Sarcastic cheerfulness — "everything is fine" while nothing is fine

Playful or flirtatious — "you know what I mean"

You love it — intense appreciation for a thing, not usually a person

Soft, sincere affection — the warmest face in the set

Sending a kiss — affection, or a breezy goodbye

A hug, but also the "I am just saying this supportively" face

Thinking — in practice, usually doubt rather than curiosity

One eyebrow up — visible skepticism or "are you serious?"

Flat acknowledgement — no emotion offered, none implied

Speechless — nothing to say, or saying nothing on purpose

Smug — you know something, or you just got away with something

Side-eye — unimpressed and letting you know it

An eye-roll — "obviously" or "here we go again"

Pinocchio — "sure you did", calling out a lie

Exhaling — calm after something stressful is over

Quiet sadness or regret — the mature version of disappointed

Mind blown — genuinely stunned, in a good or bad way

Party — celebration, birthdays, anything worth a toast

Cool — unbothered, confident, "deal with it"

Mildly confused or let down — a small frown, not distress

The "please" face — begging, and also overwhelming tenderness

Sad — a single tear, sincere and direct

Sobbing — overwhelmed, which is often a good thing

The Home Alone scream — shock or terror, usually comic

Red-faced fury — the angriest face in the set

Mild anger — annoyed, pouting, still under control

Mischief — "I am being bad and enjoying it"

Laughter — the current way to say "I'm dead" at something funny

Crap — something bad, low quality, or a terrible take

Clown — someone is being ridiculous, usually yourself

A ghost — Halloween, spooky things, or the act of ghosting someone

Dying inside — overwhelmed, embarrassed, or losing composure

Touched — the "I am not crying, you are" face

Approval — but it can read as a conversation-ender

Dislike — direct disapproval

Perfect — precise approval, or "chef's kiss" quality

The Italian hand gesture — "what do you want?" or "exquisite"

Peace — a casual sign-off or a photo pose

Hoping — "fingers crossed it works out"

Hello or goodbye — a wave, friendly and low-effort

Applause — but just as often, slow sarcastic clapping

Hooray — celebrating, or volunteering for something

Please, thank you, or respectful pleading — not only prayer

Strength — "you got this", or gym talk

Sassy — "I said what I said", unbothered and a little superior

Love — the plainest, most sincere heart there is

Heartbreak — romantic pain, or dramatic disappointment

Burning passion — intense love or desire

Lit — excellent, or literally hot

Aesthetic shimmer — clean, pretty, or emphasis

One hundred — "exactly", "facts", full agreement

Looking — "I saw that", attention, or judgment

Congratulations — confetti, celebration, good news

A butt — or a flirtatious compliment about one