Mary H.K. Choi
Culture

Here's How to Emoji-Flirt Like a Real Teenager

Flirting over text is quick, fun, and fraught with potential disaster. Avoid getting boo'd with this trusty legend.
Image may contain Heart

Flirting over text is quick, fun, and fraught with potential disaster. Avoid getting boo'd with this trusty legend.

  • Image may contain Drink Cocktail Alcohol Beverage Glass Martini and Goblet

    Cocktail Come-On

    Drinks?
  • Image may contain Animal and Mammal

    Too Shy Shy

    Bashfulness. Also: the perfect response to a compliment or to soften your own brazenly suggestive comment.
  • Akin to a bouquet of red roses its timeless classic and also waaaaaaaay too forward for a light flirtation. That said if...

    I Have Eyes for You

    Akin to a bouquet of red roses, it’s timeless, classic, and also waaaaaaaay too forward for a light flirtation. That said, if you get it, feel free to slide into the DMs.
  • Signals FOMO three in a row is a perfect response to a nude or sext if youre in a different citystatecountry or stuck...

    Don't Torment Me

    Signals FOMO (fear of missing out); three in a row is a perfect response to a nude or sext if you’re in a different city/state/country or stuck at work (see also: ![wearyface.png](https://www.wired.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/wearyface-150x150.png)).
  • Image may contain Clothing and Apparel

    I Am in Agreement

    Seal of approval. The polite response to a restaurant suggestion or the setup of some casual plans. Basically, “cool” but not “cool!” Use three in a row and it means “thank you!”
  • Image may contain Plant and Food

    The Bare Essentuals

    All emoji equivalents of nudes. Use with caution or else complete abandon, depending on the desired reaction and receptiveness of the recipient.
  • Derp. Indicates awkwardness at your last comment text or social media behavior. Not a complete dealbreaker but suggests...

    Um, OK...

    Derp. Indicates awkwardness at your last comment, text, or social media behavior. Not a complete deal-breaker but suggests a cooling of enthusiasm (see also: ![facewithoutmouth.png](https://www.wired.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/facewithoutmouth-150x150.png)).
  • Basically “What are you doing”

    I See You

    Basically, “What are you doing?”
  • Image may contain Text

    Thanks But No Thanks

    Hi. Um. Not interested. Sorry? Sorry!
  • Image may contain Hand

    I Am So Awesome

    When you’re particularly pleased with yourself about something, a pat on the back. Especially endearing when used by dudes.
  • Image may contain Animal Bear Wildlife Giant Panda Mammal Mouse Electronics Hardware Computer and Cell Phone

    Buh-Bye

    You are dead to me and I should just ghost and not respond at all but I just have to get this one emoji off my chest.
  • Image may contain Heart

    Friends Without Benefits

    Let’s be friends! Basically, the ![trash.png](https://www.wired.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/trash-150x150.png)![bomb.png](https://www.wired.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/bomb-150x150.png)![skull.png](https://www.wired.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/skull-150x150.png)![coffin.png](https://www.wired.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/coffin-150x150.png)![knife.png](https://www.wired.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/knife-150x150.png) for any romantic possibility.
Topicsmagazine-24.09
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