8 Flirtiest Emoticons & What They Really Mean

A study of more than 4,000 online daters by Zoosk.com revealed that emoticons really do matter. One interesting finding? Noses matter! gets 13 percent more positive response while : ) is 66 percent more likely to get you ignored. So what can you do to send the right message? Learn how to take it to the next level by brushing up on exactly what emoticon should be used in the sexiest of situations so you’re not left wondering why your text convo came to a halting screech.

1. The Blush: If there is one thing that translates just as well through technology as in real life, it’s blushing. Luckily for us, there’s a handy emoticon that combines a peck-on-the-cheek with a subtle blush. This emoticon can have one of two meanings. Either you are tickled pink by what you just read, or you’re completely satisfied and speechless.
When To Use: The Blush is best used when your man has said or done something sweet and you feel he needs to be rewarded… with an emoticon.

2. Crazy Hearts: This little guy is so often taken in the wrong context that it’s hard to know when to add this to one of your sexy one-liners. When flirting over text, it is in your relationship’s best interest to use Crazy Hearts sparingly. If you’re casually typing this after every other sentence, homeboy might get a little freaked out and think you’re obsessed.
When To Use: The perfect time to add a dash of hearts is after a fun date. This would be a go-to when you want to ooze excitement but not seem overly invested.

3. Hey There: Subtle raise of the eyebrows, slight smile playing on the lips, sideways glance — yup, signs are all there. The words behind this emotion are pretty clear and come right out of the mouth of Joey from Friends: “How you doin’?”
When To Use: If you’re liking what he’s throwing out there, Hey There has to find a way to make it into your response. Words can only say so much. Once you send a Hey There, there’s no returning to friend territory.

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4. Winky: Perhaps the most classic in the emoticon arsenal, Winky is a fan favorite and for good reason. It sends a straightforward message that you are detecting the underlying innuendo behind his words, and that you like it. A lot.
When To Use: If you’re done beating around the bush, feel free to send a scandalous message with a wink in order to get your point across. Winky is one he will never get sick of receiving and will always make you look like the cool girl.

5. Angel Baby: The number one rule of emoticons is that Angel Baby means sex. There’s really no way around it. Putting Angel Baby in any sentence simply says, “I am d-o-w-n to get dirty.” Don’t let the angelic face fool you. It is basically the foreplay of the emoticon world.
When To Use: Whether you send it first or he does, there is bound to be some naughty action taking place as soon as you are face-to-face. You’ve been warned.

6. Hot Lips: A less steamy version of Angel Baby, Hot Lips is more appropriate for those with a pre-hookup status.
When To Use: To let him know you can’t stop thinking about his steamy kisses, send him a Hot Lips paired with an “XO” to get his wheels turning. It’s all about planting the seed, and Hot Lips does just that. Alternative: make your own Hot Lips by sending a quick snap after you’ve applied your fave lipstick.

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7. The Tongue: This emoticon is perfect for everyday flirting as it makes sense in an array of different situations. The Tongue has a carefree playfulness to it that reacts well with jokes and witty one-liners.
When To Use: To let him know you appreciate his sense of humor, add The Tongue to your comeback and your flirty repartee is sure to continue for hours to come.

8. Crab Claws: Hear me out on this one. Sending facial expressions is all flirty and fun, but he’s received those from tons of girls.
When To Use: Want to stand out from the pack? Send a quirky emoticon like my personal favorite, Crab Claws, to get him to take notice immediately or the devil one. The great thing about this one is you can pretty much add it to any sentence and it’ll make him laugh, especially if you catch him off guard (aka send absolutely no emoticons for a few days and then wham bam with a devil emoticon). Just beware of overuse — its effect will wear off quickly and may end up turning you into a lobster from embarrassment.