36 Naughty Emojis Guys Use to Flirt With You If They Like You Or Are in Love

If a guy is texting you and you catch a 😏, 😘 or 👀 in the message, chances are, it’s not just random. Emojis aren’t just cute little icons; they’re mini flirt bombs. And if you’ve been wondering what emojis guys use to flirt, you’re not alone, every girl has wondered why a guy used a specific emoji in his text!

In fact, researchers say that emoji use is directly linked to how emotionally responsive someone seems, and even predicts relationship satisfaction. 📚 Source: Eun Huh, 2025, The Impact of Emojis on Perceived Responsiveness and Relationship Satisfaction

So, whether he’s trying to keep it subtle with a 😉, going bold with a 🔥, or being downright cheeky with a 🍑, each emoji holds a clue. Here’s a quick peek at the most popular flirty emojis guys use, and exactly what they mean when he sends them your way.

The emojis to watch out for in texts

Texting a guy you’re into is already confusing enough. But decoding the emojis guys use to flirt? That’s a whole other level of emotional detective work.

When you’re texting, you’re missing 90% of the communication puzzle, no body language, no tone of voice, no smirk on his lips when he says something flirty. Emojis help fill in those gaps. [Read: How to text your crush & 44 things to say to get them really interested]

In fact, research shows that people who use emojis more often are perceived as more emotionally in-tune, which makes them more attractive and more successful in romantic communication.
📚 Source: Gesselman et al., 2019, Worth a Thousand Interpersonal Words

So if you’re wondering whether he’s just being friendly or straight-up flirting, it’s time to decode the little icons he drops in your chat. Because let’s be real: that 😈 or 😘 is definitely not a coincidence.

👉 Want to decode a guy’s emojis better? Read these guides!

Must-know emojis guys use when they like you or are in love with you

Let’s jump head-first into the world of emojis and the emojis guys use when they like you or are in love with you.

But just a word of caution now, don’t assume any guy who uses these emojis has a mad crush on you. Emojis are thrown around like words these days.

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However, if he’s subtly hinting or blatantly flirting up a storm with you, chances are, the emojis aren’t as innocent and friendly as he may be trying to imply. [Read: Funny emojis couples need to use more often]

1. Heart-Eyed Emoji 😍

When does anyone ever use this emoji? There are usually only a couple of reasons, and most of them stem from an appreciation for something.

This emoji conveys love and infatuation as if to say you are in love with or crazy about someone or something.

If he’s using it in his flirty texts, he’s sending a pretty clear sign that he’s into you. [Read: How to get to know someone over text and build a real connection]

2. Red Heart Emoji ❤️

Oh mama, he’s into you. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to figure this one out. The heart isn’t purple, yellow, or black: it’s red. Guys won’t throw this emoji around unless they want you to know how they feel.

The red heart emoji is used in positive emotional contexts to express gratitude, love, happiness, hope, or flirtatiousness. [Read: Colorful heart emojis – how to decode their meaning & use it right]

3. Angel Face Emoji 👼

This guy wants to make sure you see him as an innocent guy, but we all know he’s not. This emoji is all about showing you he’s as sweet as an angel. Are you going to fall for the bait? [Read: How to know if someone is thinking about you sexually and desiring you]

4. Heart Kiss Emoji 😘

Well, if he’s using this, we all know he’s interested in making that kiss a reality. He could have used any other emoji, but instead, he chose this one. He wants to show you he’s more emotional than you think.

This emoji is a symbol of flirting, which often follows various compliments to someone the sender finds attractive.

The 😘 emoji is probably the flirtiest one in the pack. If he’s dropping it at the end of a message, it’s his way of saying “I’m into you” without outright saying it.

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It can also be sarcastic depending on tone, but 9 out of 10 times, if he’s sending this, he’s thinking about what that kiss might feel like IRL. [Read: 29 secret ways to subtly flirt & make them desire you subconsciously]

5. Too Cool Face Emoji 😎

It’s not easy texting a girl you like. Of course, men are just as insecure as women, and one way for him to hide it is through the too cool emoji.

The smiley face wears a pair of sunglasses, letting you know he’s calm and cool. Meanwhile, he’s freaking out inside. [Read: The best witty comebacks to use on a flirty guy & ways to ignore him]

6. Hugging Face Emoji 🤗

Oh yeah, we all know his end game. The hugging emoji, though is kind of creepy itself *why does it have such long fingers?* sends a pretty strong message that he likes you. Physical touch is a huge indicator of attraction.

This emoji is often used to show excitement, express affection and gratitude, offer comfort and consolation, or signal a rebuff. [Read: How guys flirt – 15 subtle things guys do when they like you]

7. Winky Face Emoji 😉

This is a classic way to be cheeky and flirtatious with emojis. The winky face emoji is a subtle way of making his point without being too forceful.

It signals him being playful, affectionate, suggestive, or ironic. So you better send him one back! [Read: 27 cool ways to ask someone to hang out over text & not sound needy]

8. Relieved Smile Emoji 😌

He’s such a humble guy, and not looking to offend you. So at the end of his texts, he throws in the “relieved smile” emoji, making sure that he softens his message. Maybe he sent you a complimenting text but didn’t want to come off too strong. [Read: 20 sweet & sexy ways to flirt with your boyfriend & make love naughty]

9. Side Smirk Emoji 😏

If a guy sends you the 😏 smirk emoji, he’s not just being playful, he’s teasing you. It’s his way of flirting without really flirting. Think: “I said something cheeky and I want you to know I know.”

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According to studies on digital courtship, 😏 is often rated as suggestive or sexually charged, and tends to show up in messages where guys are testing boundaries or trying to gauge your interest. 📚 Source: Gesselman et al., 2019

[Read: The warning signs of a player he just can’t hide]

10. Giant Tongue Emoji 👅

Back in the day, we would stick our tongues out as an insult. But today, it has a different meaning. Of course, it could be used to talk about food, but if the conversation is flirty, he’s talking about his desire for you.

People send this emoji to flirt over text or while sexting, referring to oral sex. You can easily tell when the emoji is being used in a sexual context because typically, other “dirty” emojis will be paired with it. [Read: Female confessions: the feeling of oral sex for women]

11. Blushy Face Emoji 😊

On the surface, 😊 is sweet and simple. But when a guy sends it, he’s usually trying to seem chill while still showing you he cares. It’s a soft flirt, like a digital “aww thanks” with heart eyes hidden behind it.

It’s also heavily used by guys who want to avoid looking too intense or too forward. Gen Z tends to use this emoji for emotionally soft replies, think of it as the shy compliment emoji.

[Read: Do girls like shy guys – is shyness an attractive trait or a turn off?]

12. Devilish Face Emoji 😈

Did he text you something a little naughty? Well, not only is he testing the waters, but he’s letting you know he’s not ashamed of what he said. In fact, he’s standing by his words and isn’t into playing the innocent guy. [Read: 30 texts and examples to dirty text and tease a guy all day]

13. Flames Emoji 🔥

For him, you’re hot, hot, hot. You’re so hot, he doesn’t know how to handle you. If he sends you a series of flame emojis, he’s complimenting you.

Without words, he’s letting you know he thinks you’re smokin’ hot. [Read: Physical attraction – 20 hot secrets to look way more desirable instantly]

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14. Tongue Out Smiley Emoji 😝

😝 is pure chaotic energy. It’s goofy, playful, and perfect for when he’s joking around or being silly-flirty.

If he adds it after a slightly wild message, it’s his way of saying “don’t take me too seriously… but maybe do?” Perfect for teasing without any pressure. [Read: How to be more romantic – 46 cute ways to melt your partner’s heart]

15. Monkey See-No-Evil Emoji 🙈

This emoji screams “I know I’m being bold.” If he sends 🙈, he’s usually testing a flirty boundary or referencing something slightly naughty, but pretending to be bashful about it.

It’s classic “I said it but I’m pretending to be shy.” Gen Z guys use this all the time to flirt without looking too thirsty. [Read: Is he flirting with me? Signs that’ll reveal the truth]

16. Extremely Happy Face Emoji 😁

He’s not just happy, he’s extremely happy. This isn’t a commonly used emoji, as most guys don’t want to come off as too interested.

But, if he’s a confident guy who doesn’t care about hiding his emotions, he’ll use this one as much as he wants. [Read: The 15 signs your guy friend is definitely crushing on you]

17. Smiling Face With Halo 😇

This one’s sneaky sweet. When a guy sends 😇, he’s either trying to play innocent after saying something suggestive or making a cheeky joke, or he wants to come across as emotionally “safe.”

It’s a classic move: flirt, then cover it with a halo. Don’t be fooled, it’s usually sarcasm wrapped in cuteness. [Read: 28 cute ways to show affection in a relationship even if it feels awkward]

18. The Drooling Emoji 🤤

The drooling emoji expresses mouth-watering. It can be used when talking about lust and longing.

Whether you desire a delicious meal, a nice dress, or that cutie sitting across from you in the coffee shop, you might look like the drooling face emoji. [Read: Foreplay ideas for him – 29 moves to get a guy mad-horny with ease]

19. Hot Face 🥵

This emoji screams “I’m down bad.” If he drops a 🥵 on your story or texts it after a cute pic, he’s absolutely thirsting.

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It’s less subtle than 😍 and more primal. This emoji has basically become Gen Z shorthand for “you’re killing me with how hot you are.” If you’re getting this, he’s not playing it cool, he’s melting.

[Read: 15 sexy conversation starters for couples to get you horny in minutes]

20. Face with Peeking Eye 🫣

A yellow face emoji with hands covering eyes and one or both eyes peeking through the gap between its fingers. This emoji is often used when people want to know what’s happening, even when they know they shouldn’t be looking.

So if you send a guy a sexy selfie or post one on your story and this emoji is his response, he knows he shouldn’t be looking but he just cannot help it. [Read: Safe nudes – how to send nudes that sizzle without getting burned]

21. Winking Face with Tongue 😜

A yellow face sticking out its tongue and making a wink often gives a sense of fun, excitement, wackiness, buffoonery, or joking.

Typically, it’s goofier than the 😝 emoji, but with the same meanings. [Read: 42 happy & naughty ways to keep a relationship exciting, fun & fresh]

22. Woozy Face emoji 🥴

The woozy face emoji means you’ve had a few too many to drink. It can also mean that the guy is tired, overly emotional, or plain confused. According to a popular meme, it represents the dumb face men make when they try to look sexy in a photo.

So if he sends you this, he probably wants you to think he’s playful and fun. [Read: 47 really fun second date ideas that’ll make anyone want a third!]

23. Smiling Face with Hearts 🥰

Smiling Face With Hearts has several hearts floating around its head, as if in a cloud of love. It commonly signifies warm and fuzzy feelings, especially feeling loved or being in love with someone or something.

If he uses this emoji with you, you know what it means. [Read: Am I in love? 30 signs to read the fuzzy flutters after infatuation]

24. Eyes Emoji 👀

The eyes emoji has many uses. It mostly serves to draw attention to something the user wants to highlight, especially in situations that involve drama and interpersonal tension.

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But it can also be used suggestively like when you’re having a dirty conversation. [Read: 60 examples & tips to talk dirty over text & get him hard imagining you]

25. Eggplant 🍆

We all know that it’s not an actual eggplant. Yup, it’s a penis. Your mom may use it when talking about her new ratatouille recipe, but if a guy uses it, with sexual innuendo. He is in fact referring to his penis or the general topic of sex! [Read: Emoji sexting- 16 fun emojis to make any conversation sound naughty]

26. Peach 🍑

The peach emoji means a bum. It’s also a common emoji used in sexting. Which makes sense right? You have a nice peachy bum, and he’s complimenting you with the emoji! [Read: How guys flirt – 25 subtle things guys do to impress a girl]

27. Blushing Face Emoji 😳

What does this emoji mean from a guy? Well, the blushing face emoji is very similar to the angel one.

A guy might use this if he’s said something a little risky or cheeky and he’s seeing if he can “get away with it.” In many other cases, he may use it when you say something that turns him on and gets him flustered.

[Read: How to get a guy interested in you – 27 flirty ways to catch his eye]

28. Kissing Face with Closed Eyes 😚

This one is softer than 😘. When a guy sends 😚, he’s usually feeling affectionate but a little shy, like he wants to be cute, not sexual. It’s a romantic kiss, not a lusty one.

If he’s using this consistently, he’s probably emotionally invested or trying to appear emotionally sincere. Bonus: If he uses it after a deep convo, that’s a green flag.

29. Pleading Face Emoji 🥺

This one is emotionally loaded. It’s the “puppy eyes” of emojis, cute, vulnerable, and often used to get your attention in a soft, needy way.

When a guy sends 🥺, it could mean he’s asking for something (like a response, a pic, or forgiveness) or he’s just trying to look innocent and irresistible.

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👉 Looking for more secrets to decode or use emojis in texts? Read these features!

Other Emojis Guys Use: And What They Secretly Mean When He Sends Them

30. Smiling with a Tear Emoji 🥲

This one’s all about bittersweet emotion. If a guy sends this, he’s probably expressing something vulnerable, like “I miss you but I’m trying to play it cool.” It’s soft boy behavior in emoji form.

31. Kiss Mark Emoji 💋

This isn’t flirty, it’s full send. If he uses 💋, he’s being direct. It’s sexy, bold, and often paired with something like “I wish I could kiss you rn.” Definitely means he’s into you, physically.

32. Face Savoring Food Emoji 😋

This emoji depends entirely on context. Is he actually talking about food… or about you? If he sends it after a sexy selfie or flirty convo, he’s not thinking about pizza, he’s thinking about devouring you.

33. Angry Purple Devil Emoji 👿

Used way less often than 😈, but if he sends this, he’s probably being dark-playful. Sometimes it’s a joke, other times it’s “I’m mad… but in a sexy way.” If you’re flirting, take it as teasing aggression.

34. Juice Box Emoji 🧃

This is Gen Z innuendo. On TikTok and group chats, 🧃 is often code for thirst, especially when paired with a flirty reply or “send more pics.” If he sends this, he’s being playful but suggestive.

35. Teddy Bear Emoji 🧸

It’s soft, it’s sweet, it’s surprisingly popular in romantic DMs. This one says: “I want to be your comfort.” If he sends it after a deep chat, it’s his way of saying “I’m your emotional support emoji.”

36. Nazar Amulet Emoji 🧿

Okay, this one’s niche, but gaining popularity. It means “protection from the evil eye.” If he sends this after complimenting you, he’s playfully saying “you’re too pretty not to attract envy.” Cute AND superstitious.

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So now that you’ve decoded every little wink, smirk, and devil face, you’re officially fluent in the secret language of flirty emojis guys use. Whether he’s going full 🥵 or keeping it subtle with a 😉, you’ve got the upper hand now. Use it wisely, or better yet, throw in an unexpected 😈 of your own and keep him guessing.

Emojis aren’t only used to add a little spice to the text. Guys also love using flirty emojis to show that they’re interested in you and hoping you’ll notice. Now that you know what they mean, what will you do with this information?

👉 Want to master emojis and flirty texting? Read these guides to leave any guy wanting more!