👀 meaning: What are we saying when we use the eyes emoji?

A passive aggressive reminder, or an expression of real world anxiety?

In new series Emojinary, we look at not what emoji signify but what they have come to mean, as the ideograms become core parts of our conversation, finessing our utterances and reinforcing our sentiments.

First up:

👀

Apple Color Emoji. Also known as: 'Eyeballs', 'Shifty Eyes', 'Wide Eyes'.

Definitions:

1. (literal) 'A pair of eyes, glancing slightly to the left on most platforms.' - Emojipedia

2. To notify that something is being watched, monitored or scrutinised.

3. To imply that someone is taking a long time responding to, and/or is avoiding, a message.

4. Alluding to IRL, the real world, reality etc. The eyes can signify that, while a message or post or tweet might be lost in a feed, the recipient/viewer is hugely invested in it and anxiously watching it, illustrating the gap between their online aloof facade and real-world keen interest. Sometimes used ironically or for hyperbole.

Synonyms/synomoji: 😶 🤔

Have you seen this emoji being used in different ways? Let us know below!