😱
Face Screaming in Fear Emoji
Emoji Appearance
Apple
Apple Color Emoji
iOS (iPhone / iPad)Mac
Google
Noto Color Emoji
Android
Twitter / X
Twemoji
Windows
Fluent Emoji
Emoji Overview
Unicode Code Point | U+1F631 1F631 |
Emoji Name | face screaming in fear |
Unicode Version Date Added for Emoji | 0.6Initial release |
Category | |
Keywords | face screaming in fearscaredhorrorshockscream |
😱 Meaning and Explanation
The 😱 emoji, or Face Screaming in Fear, depicts a yellow face with wide, white eyes, a long, open mouth, and hands on its cheeks, as if screaming in terror. It is primarily used to convey fear, shock, horror, surprise, or intense disbelief.
This emoji is often used to react to something frightening, alarming, or unexpected. It captures a moment of extreme emotional reaction, similar to the iconic painting "The Scream" by Edvard Munch.
It can be used in both serious and exaggerated, humorous contexts, depending on the situation. It's a strong visual representation of being utterly taken aback or terrified.
😱 How to Use
This emoji is commonly used to express strong reactions like fear, shock, or extreme surprise.
- To express fear or horror
Use it when something is genuinely scary or unsettling. - To convey shock or surprise
It can signify being completely taken aback by news or an event. - For intense disbelief
When something is so unbelievable that it elicits a strong, almost fearful reaction. - In humorous or exaggerated contexts
Often used ironically to overstate a reaction to something mildly surprising.
😱 Cultural Background
| Region | Common Meaning | Additional Notes or Misunderstandings |
|---|---|---|
| 🌍 Global | Fear, shock, horror, surprise | Widely understood across digital communication |
| 🇺🇸 Western Cultures | "OMG!", terrified, shocked | Used for both genuine fear and exaggerated reactions |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | Shock, surprise, sometimes embarrassment | Can be used to express being flustered or taken aback |
| 🇰🇷 Korea | "Daebak!" (amazing/shocking), surprised, scared | Popular in reaction to dramatic events or news |
Common Misunderstandings of 😱
Misinterpreting intensity
It's a very strong emoji, and using it for minor surprises might seem over-dramatic.
Tip: Reserve it for genuinely shocking or frightening situations to maintain its impact.
Conflating with other surprised emojis
It's more intense than 😮 (face with open mouth) or 😲 (astonished face).
Tip: Choose 😱 when the surprise is accompanied by a sense of fear or horror.