π
Mouth
mauth
Definitions
1
Body Β· Communication
Very Common
Depicts a pair of lips, often used to represent kissing, sensuality, beauty, or speech. Frequently appears in flirtatious or romantic contexts.
Can be used literally to reference lips/mouth or figuratively to suggest kissing, talking, or attraction.
Just got my lips done π What do you think?
Instagram caption
Miss you π Can't wait to see you tomorrow!
Text message
This lipstick is perfect for that π look
Beauty blog comment
In Western cultures, red lips symbolize beauty and sensuality, while in digital communication, this emoji often carries flirtatious undertones.
2
Communication Β· Expression
Common
Used to represent speech, gossip, or having something important to say. Can indicate the act of speaking or emphasize verbal communication.
Often used in contexts about speaking up, sharing gossip, or drawing attention to what someone has said.
I've got some tea to spill π
Social media post
Don't just sit there with your π shut, say something!
Text message
The association with gossip reflects the idiom 'lips are sealed' and cultural connections between mouths and secrets.
Evolution Timeline
2015
Gained popularity alongside the 'Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge' trend on social media.
Celebrity influence on beauty standards and cosmetic procedures.
2018
Became associated with 'spilling tea' (gossip) culture on Twitter and Instagram.
Rise of drama and commentary channels on social media.
2020
Usage shifted during pandemic as masked faces made lips a focal point when visible.
COVID-19 mask mandates and changing beauty emphasis.
Cultural Context
Red lips have historically symbolized beauty, youth, and fertility across many Western cultures, explaining this emoji's strong association with attractiveness.
Gen Z popularized the 'ποΈπποΈ' face as a reaction meme expressing shock or awkwardness, giving the mouth emoji new contextual meanings beyond beauty.
The emoji reinforces expressions like 'loose lips sink ships' and 'spill the tea,' representing the mouth's dual role in both revealing and concealing information.
Beauty filters on social media platforms often enhance lips, creating a feedback loop between digital beauty standards and emoji usage patterns.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
Often used sarcastically or in cheeky contexts. Less associated with beauty standards than in the US.
United States
Commonly used in beauty contexts and dating apps. Strong association with makeup culture and influencers.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: More literal usage related to speaking or kissing. Often used in romantic contexts with partners or to emphasize important statements.
Gen_Z: Frequently used in memes like 'ποΈπποΈ' and to represent exaggerated reactions. Often used ironically or for dramatic effect on TikTok.
Older: Limited usage, primarily literal to represent speaking or in response to photos of family members, especially grandchildren.
Millennials: Commonly used for flirtation in dating apps and to emphasize beauty or makeup in Instagram posts. Less ironic usage than Gen Z.
Common Combinations
ππ
Kissing, extreme sensuality or romantic attraction.
Double emphasis on lips suggests passionate romantic interest or flirtation.
ππ€«
Gossip or secrets being shared.
Represents the act of telling secrets or sharing private information.
ππ
Makeup application or beauty focus on lips.
Used in beauty communities to highlight lip products or makeup looks.
ππ₯
Hot or attractive lips, often flirtatious.
Suggests attractiveness with sexual undertones in dating contexts.
ποΈπποΈ
Shocked, awkward, or uncomfortable reaction.
Meme format expressing bewilderment or uncomfortable surprise.
Related Emojis
π
Kiss mark, often used interchangeably with lips for romantic contexts
π
Lipstick, frequently paired with lips in beauty contexts
π£οΈ
Speaking head, alternative for communication contexts
π
Face blowing kiss, romantic alternative with similar implications
π€«
Shushing face, contrasts with lips in secrecy contexts