- Categories
- Arts and Entertainment
- Movies
- Filmmaking
- Animation
- Emoticons and Emojis
Download Article
Explore this Article
Sections
1What does the ๐ (monkey) emoji mean?
2What does the ๐ต (monkey face) emoji mean?
3See-No-Evil, Hear-No-Evil, Say-No-Evil Monkeys
4How to Use the Monkey Emojis
5How to Reply to the Monkey Emojis
+Show 2 more...
-Show less...
Other Sections
Related Articles
References
Co-authored byJanice Tieperman
Last Updated: June 28, 2024Fact Checked
Download Article
Is someone monkeying around in your DMs, or did you just happen to spot a ๐ (monkey) emoji on your feed? The mischievous monkey is a pretty popular emoji, but with all the different varieties out there, it isnโt always easy to know what this playful primate represents in a text, DM, or social media post. Youโve come to the right articleโweโve outlined everything you need to know about this family of silly emojis, so youโll be in the know the next time one pops up on your screen.
Monkey Emoji Meaning
The ๐ (monkey) and ๐ต (monkey face) emojis represent playfulness, mischievousness, or joy. The ๐ (see-no-evil monkey) emoji symbolizes shyness, the ๐ (hear-no-evil monkey) emoji represents awkwardness, and the ๐ (speak-no-evil monkey) emoji can mean secrecy.
Section 1 of 5:
What does the ๐ (monkey) emoji mean?
Download Article
1
The ๐ (monkey) emoji indicates playfulness or naughtiness. Few emojis are as cute and mischievous as the ๐; so, if you get a message with a ๐ emoji in it, you can safely assume that the sender is (playfully) up to no good.[1]
- โWas going to text you last night, but thought it would be more fun to make you wait ๐๐โ
- โYouโre not ready for my outfit tomorrow night ๐โ
- โGuess who just broke curfew ๐๐โ
2
The ๐ (monkey) emoji can symbolize someoneโs immaturity. Monkeys are known for a lot of things, but maturity definitely isnโt one of them. The ๐ emoji is a good way to comment on someoneโs immaturity or to let someone know that they arenโt being very mature.
- โMy niece threw a temper tantrum when I asked her to eat her vegetables ๐๐โ
- โNGL dude, thatโs pretty immature of you ๐๐โ
Advertisem*nt
3
The ๐ (monkey) emoji sometimes represents an actual monkey. The ๐ emoji is a great way to emphasize monkey-related content, like a silly monkey video compilation on YouTube or a picture of monkeys goofing around at the zoo.[2]
- โThis video is absolutely crazy ๐๐โ
- โLook at these cute babies ๐ฅบ๐โ
Advertisem*nt
Section 2 of 5:
What does the ๐ต (monkey face) emoji mean?
Download Article
1
The ๐ต (monkey face) emoji can be used to set a playful tone. The ๐ต and ๐ emojis are pretty similar, and can often be used interchangeably. Like the ๐, the ๐ต emoji is a good sign that someoneโs taking a more playful, lighthearted approach with their texts or social media posts.[3]
- โSelf-care is passing out on the floor of your living room ๐ตโ
- โYes, I am spending my Saturday watching bargain bin movies. Yes, I am enjoying myself ๐ตโ
2
The ๐ต (monkey face) emoji can also represent gleeful happiness. Depending on the context of the conversation, the ๐ต is an easy, fun way to share happiness or laughter about something. If someone shares some good news with a ๐ต emoji, theyโre probably using the emoji to show how happy and light-hearted they are.
- โGuess who just got Monday off from work ๐ต๐คโ
- โI got absolutely no sleep last night but it was completely worth it ๐ตโ
3
The ๐ต (monkey face) emoji can even highlight a moment of embarrassment. The ๐ต emoji offers an easy, visual way for someone to either express their own embarrassment or react to another personโs mortifying moment. If you see a text or social media post describing something awkward and uncomfortable, the ๐ต emoji probably represents a feeling of embarrassment.
- โA waiter at this restaurant totally wiped out and dropped like 3 orders of food ๐ต๐ฑโ
- โAccidentally gave the wrong name to the coffee barista ๐ต๐ฌโ
Advertisem*nt
Section 3 of 5:
See-No-Evil, Hear-No-Evil, Say-No-Evil Monkeys
Download Article
1
The monkeys with their eyes, ears, and mouth covered stand for the see-no-evil proverb. The symbolism of the 3 wise monkeys originated in Japan, with each monkey representing โsee no evil,โ โhear no evil,โ and โspeak no evil.โ[4] Although the ๐, ๐, and ๐ emojis are modeled after the ancient symbol and sentiment of being pure-hearted, their respective emojis have evolved to mean different things in the digital world.
2
The ๐ (see-no-evil monkey) emoji represents shyness or something cringe-worthy. If you see a ๐, thereโs a good chance that the original poster/sender is feeling a bit bashful, or just saw something they wish they hadnโt.[5]
- โWelp. Nothing like a little NSFW content to wake you up first thing in the morning lol ๐โ
- โThe professor just called me out for getting the highest exam score in the class ๐โ
3
The ๐ (hear-no-evil monkey) emoji often stands for discomfort and awkwardness. People tend to use this emoji when they hear something they wish they hadnโt. Some people even use it to hold something in secrecy.[6]
- โI really really wish I hadnโt heard that ๐๐โ
- โNo worries, man. I know nothing LOL ๐โ
4
The ๐ (speak-no-evil monkey) emoji can symbolize secrecy, speechlessness, or embarrassment. The ๐ is pretty versatile, but itโs typically used as a playful replacement for โoopsโ or โwhoops.โ Some people also use it to share how speechless they are, to let a friend know that they wonโt be spilling any secrets, or to bow out of an awkward conversation.[7]
- โAccidentally used my sisterโs toothbrush ๐โ
- โYouโve gotta be joking ๐๐๐โ
- โYour secret is safe with me! ๐โ
- โIโm just going to keep my opinion to myself, if you donโt donโt mind ๐๐คโ
Advertisem*nt
Section 4 of 5:
How to Use the Monkey Emojis
Download Article
1
Make your convo silly and playful with the ๐ (monkey) emoji or ๐ต (monkey face) emoji. Not many animal emojis convey the same goofy and mischievous energy as the ๐ or ๐ต emojis, so use them to your advantage! Drop one into your convo or social media post when youโre intentionally trying to keep things playful and light.[8]
- โTotally schooled my nephew at Candy Land last night ๐ตโ
- โWho says you have to wait until April Fool's day to pull pranks? ๐โ
2
Use the ๐ (see-no-evil monkey) emoji when youโre cringing or feeling shy or bashful. Maybe you saw something you canโt unsee on your Twitter feed, or youโre feeling a little bashful but proud of the killer grade you just received. The ๐ emoji is a great option for all kinds of light and playful scenarios, whether youโre feeling proud, uncomfortable, or just plain silly.
- โI knew scrolling Twitter at 3 AM was a bad idea ๐โ
- โI canโt believe they announced my birthday in front of everyone ๐โ
- โGuess who just genuinely just slipped on a banana peel in public ๐๐โ
3
Drop a ๐ (hear-no-evil monkey) emoji to show that youโre feeling awkward or uncomfortable. Overhear something you wish you hadnโt? The ๐ has got you covered, and is a great option for a variety of uncomfortable situations. You can even use the ๐ emoji as a playful way to shut up a friend whoโs sharing a little too much information.[9]
- โNote to self: never walk into someoneโs bedroom without knocking first. ๐โ
- โSome things in life you just canโt unhear ๐๐โ
- โWhy are you telling me this?? ๐๐โ
4
Send ๐ (speak-no-evil monkey) emoji as a silly, shocked, or embarrassed response. Maybe your friend sent a message that left you truly lost for words, or you made a silly mix-up during your work shift. The ๐ emoji is a great catch-all response for all things silly, playful, and stunning. You can even use the ๐ emoji in a literal sense to let a friend know that their secret is safe with you.[10]
- Them: โLia just asked me out this morningโฆโ
You: โNo way!! ๐๐๐โ - โAccidentally poured orange juice into my cereal this morning ๐๐โ
- โI canโt believe this!! ๐ฒ๐โ
- โMy lips are sealed! ๐๐คโ
- Them: โLia just asked me out this morningโฆโ
Advertisem*nt
Section 5 of 5:
How to Reply to the Monkey Emojis
Download Article
Respond to any monkey emoji with a silly, joking, and/or lighthearted reply. All monkey emojis have slightly different meanings depending on the context and tone of your conversation, but they usually signify something funny, silly, or otherwise lighthearted. Do your best to match the tone of the original message and keep things playful.
- Them: โGuess who finally got Danโs phone number ๐โ
You: โIt only took you 3 years ๐โ - Them: โAccidentally called my neighbor โmomโ ๐โ
You: โGuess you have to send her a motherโs day card now ๐คโ - Them: โWent to take a shower this morning and almost walked in on my roommate and her BF ๐โ
You: โTMI dude ๐คข๐โ
- Them: โGuess who finally got Danโs phone number ๐โ
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Advertisem*nt
Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Submit
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
You Might Also Like
Advertisem*nt
References
- โ https://whatemoji.org/monkey/
- โ https://www.dictionary.com/e/emoji/monkey/
- โ https://whatemoji.org/monkey-face/
- โ https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803104448685
- โ https://yaytext.com/emoji/see-no-evil-monkey/
- โ https://whatemoji.org/hear-no-evil-monkey/
- โ https://whatemoji.org/speak-no-evil-monkey/
- โ https://emojipedia.org/monkey
- โ https://yaytext.com/emoji/hear-no-evil-monkey/
More References (1)
About This Article
Co-authored by:
Janice Tieperman
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Janice is a professional and creative writer who has worked at wikiHow since 2019. With both a B.A. and M.A. in English from East Stroudsburg University, she has a passion for writing a wide variety of content for anyone and everyone. In her free time, you can find her working on a new crochet pattern, listening to true crime podcasts, or tackling a new creative writing project. This article has been viewed 114,825 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 7
Updated: June 28, 2024
Views:114,825
Categories: Emoticons and Emojis
In other languages
- Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 114,825 times.
Is this article up to date?
Advertisem*nt