You’ve seen it in memes and TikTok comments. That emoji with the finger pointing up, and but what’s it called?
I’m here to tell you, and what is the mewing emoji called exactly? It’s got an official name, and a viral meaning that’s taken the internet by storm.
This article will be your go-to guide, covering everything from its origins to how you can use it in your own conversations. Understanding this emoji is key to keeping up with current online culture and humor. By the end, you’ll be an expert on the “mewing emoji” and never be confused by it again.
What Is the Mewing Emoji Actually Called?
The emoji is officially called the ‘Shushing Face’ emoji (????).
It has a Unicode designation of U+1F92B and was first approved and added to the emoji standard in 2017 with Emoji 5.0.
The intended meaning of the Shushing Face emoji is to request silence, convey a secret, or indicate quiet contemplation.
To find it on different devices, follow these steps:
- On iOS:
- Open the keyboard.
- Tap the emoji icon.
- Search for keywords like ‘shush’, ‘quiet’, or ‘secret’.
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Tap the Shushing Face emoji (????) to insert it.
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On Android:
- Open the keyboard.
- Tap the emoji icon.
- Use the search bar and type ‘shush’, ‘quiet’, or ‘secret’.
- Select the Shushing Face emoji (????) from the results.
While its official name is ‘Shushing Face’, its popular, slang name has become the ‘mewing emoji’ due to a specific internet trend.
Visually, the emoji looks like a yellow face with a finger held over its lips, often with raised eyebrows and a neutral or slightly smiling mouth.
So, next time you’re wondering what is the mewing emoji called, remember it’s officially the ‘Shushing Face’ emoji.
The Viral Trend: Understanding the ‘Mewing’ Connection
Mewing is a non-scientific technique that involves specific tongue posture to improve one’s jawline. It was developed by British orthodontist Dr. John Mew and has gained massive popularity on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
The Shushing Face emoji, also known as the mewing emoji, became linked to mewing because it represents the idea of keeping a secret or a subtle improvement. Think of it as the “secret to a better jawline.”
You’ll often see this emoji in looksmaxxing or self-improvement content. It’s used to signify that someone is secretly mewing to enhance their appearance. For example, you might see a caption like, “????????♂️,” which combines the shushing face and man gesturing no emojis, implying a non-verbal transformation.
Some people argue that mewing is just another fad with no real scientific backing. They point out that there’s limited evidence to support its effectiveness. Sure, they have a point.
But here’s the flip side: many folks swear by it and claim to see noticeable changes.
The trend has an ironic and humorous side too. Many use the emoji satirically, not just for serious self-improvement discussions. It’s a way to poke fun at the whole concept while still engaging with the community. what is the mewing emoji called
So, whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, the Shushing Face emoji has become a symbol of this quirky and sometimes controversial trend.
How to Use the Emoji in Memes and Conversations
Let’s talk about the ???? emoji. It has two main uses: its original meaning and its viral ‘mewing’ meaning.
For its original meaning, it’s all about keeping things hush-hush. Like, “Don’t tell anyone, it’s a surprise party ????” or “Let’s keep this between us ????.”
But then there’s the ‘mewing’ meaning. You might see it on social media with a before-and-after picture and the caption “Just started mewing ????.” Or maybe as a comment on a video of someone with a sharp jawline.
Context is key. If the conversation is about secrets or being quiet, it’s the original meaning. If it’s in a meme about appearance or self-improvement, it’s likely about mewing.
Popular emoji combinations that reinforce the ‘mewing’ context include ???????? (shushing face + moai statue, referencing a chiseled jawline).
Here’s a simple rule of thumb: when in doubt, consider the platform. On TikTok and Instagram Reels, it’s almost always about mewing. In a private text, it’s likely about a secret.
So, next time you see the what is the mewing emoji called, you’ll know exactly what it means.
Commonly Confused Emojis and Their Meanings
The ‘Shushing Face’ (????) is often mixed up with a few other emojis. Let’s clear things up.
The ‘Thinking Face’ (????) looks like it’s deep in thought, right? It’s used for pondering or showing skepticism, not for keeping secrets or mewing.
Then there’s the ‘Hushing Face’ or ‘Face with Hand Over Mouth’ (????). This one usually means embarrassment, a slip of the tongue, or giggling. It’s not about keeping a deliberate secret.
The ‘Zipper-Mouth Face’ (????) is a close relative. It means your lips are sealed, and you absolutely will not speak. It’s a stronger form of secrecy.
Even the Moai emoji (????) has its own meme history. It’s associated with a stoic, chiseled appearance, making it a perfect partner for the mewing emoji.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you out:
- Shushing Face (????): Asking for silence or keeping a secret.
- Thinking Face (????): Pondering or being skeptical.
- Hushing Face (????): Embarrassment or a slip of the tongue.
- Zipper-Mouth Face (????): Lips sealed, not speaking.
Now, you can use these emojis with confidence.
Now You’re in on the Internet’s Biggest Secret
The emoji is officially called the Shushing Face (????), but the internet has nicknamed it the ‘mewing emoji’. Its viral meaning is tied to the trend of improving one’s jawline, used to signify a secret self-improvement technique. Context is everything when interpreting its use in memes versus private conversations.
You now have all the information needed to understand and use this popular emoji like a true internet native. Keep an eye out for it ‘in the wild’ on your favorite social media platforms.