:'(

What Does :'( Mean?

The Quick Answer

:'( means "Crying" or "Sad."

More Detail...

This icon is typically used after receiving sad news. When typed, the colon represents eyes, the apostrophe represents a tear, and the open-bracket represents a sad mouth. Similar icons to this icon include:

• /: (flirting)
• :$ (embarrassed)
• :& (tongue tied)
• :-* (kiss)
• :* (kiss)
• :/ (sarcasm)
• :? (confused)
• :@ (angry)
• :| (disapproval or not funny)
• :< (frowning)
• :> (mischievous smile)
• :0 (surprised)

Image for :'(

When I write :'(, I mean this:

This icon means "Crying."

I know all about icons. Test me!

Summary of Key Points

"Crying" is, by far, the most common meaning for :'( when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

:'(
Definition:	Crying or Sad
Type:	Icon
Guessability:	1: Easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults, Teenagers, and Under 13s

Examples of :'( in Sentences

Here are examples of :'( in conversations:

• Nurse: Don't be alarmed. We've removed your legs, but there's good news: that guy wants to buy your sneakers.
• Tony: :'(.

• Wife: I've bought you some Viagra to test.
• Husband: Excellent! Let's give it a go.
• Wife: It's just to stop you rolling out of bed.
• Husband: :'(.

An Academic Look at :'(

:'( is classified as an icon because it is a pictorial representation.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we might have said something like "I feel so sad" or "I am heartbroken" instead of :'(.

Example of :'( Used in a Text

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