π
Speak-No-Evil Monkey
speek noh EE-vuhl MUHNG-kee
Definitions
1
Expression Β· Discretion
Very Common
Indicates keeping a secret, staying silent about sensitive information, or choosing not to speak about something inappropriate or embarrassing.
Used when someone wants to show they won't reveal information or when acknowledging something shouldn't be said aloud.
I know who she's dating but π
Private messaging
Almost told my boss what I really thought about the meeting π
Social media
The party last night was wild π not saying anything else!
Group chat
References the 'speak no evil' monkey from the Japanese Three Wise Monkeys proverb, symbolizing the virtue of avoiding speaking about improper things.
2
Reaction Β· Embarrassment
Common
Expresses embarrassment, shock, or an 'oops' moment when something inappropriate or awkward has been said or almost said.
Often used reactively after saying something controversial or when witnessing uncomfortable situations.
Did I just say that out loud? π
Social media post
When the teacher calls on you and you haven't been paying attention π
Meme caption
Has evolved beyond its original 'silence' meaning to convey playful embarrassment, especially among younger users.
3
Social Β· Gossip
Common
Signals juicy gossip or scandalous information that's being hinted at but not fully disclosed, creating intrigue.
Often used to tease information without revealing details, especially in casual conversations.
I heard what happened at the company party π
Private message
The things I could tell you about those two π
Group chat
In digital communication, functions as a social cue that something scandalous or titillating is being referenced.
Evolution Timeline
2010
Initially used literally to represent the 'speak no evil' monkey from Japanese proverb.
Early emoji adoption focused on literal meanings.
2014
Evolved to signify keeping secrets or discretion in personal messaging.
Widespread adoption of emoji in private communications.
2016
Shifted toward indicating gossip and scandalous information, especially on social media.
Celebrity culture and reality TV influence on digital communication.
2018
Became associated with playful embarrassment and 'oops' moments among younger users.
Gen Z communication styles emphasizing authenticity and self-deprecating humor.
2021
Increasingly used to signal 'NSFW' content or risquΓ© implications without explicit statements.
Content moderation on platforms driving coded language development.
Cultural Context
Originates from the Japanese 'Three Wise Monkeys' (δΈηΏ, sanzaru) representing the proverbial principle of 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.'
Has undergone semantic shift from its original meaning of moral virtue to primarily indicating secrecy, gossip, or embarrassment in digital communication.
Functions as a social cue for information that exists in a gray areaβknown but not openly acknowledged, creating a sense of shared insider knowledge.
Younger users have recontextualized it as a playful indicator of social awkwardness or embarrassment rather than strict moral virtue.
Often used to circumvent content moderation by hinting at NSFW content without explicit language that might trigger filters.
Regional Variations
Australia
Often used with irreverent humor to indicate something cheeky or slightly inappropriate has been said.
United Kingdom
Often used with self-deprecating humor or to indicate social awkwardness after saying something inappropriate.
United States
Commonly used to indicate gossip and playful secrecy, often with a suggestive or scandalous undertone.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Used more literally to indicate discretion or keeping quiet; often employed in family group chats when discussing sensitive topics.
Gen_Z: Used playfully to signal embarrassment or to tease scandalous information; often paired with other emojis in TikTok and Instagram stories.
Older: Less frequently used; when employed, typically references the traditional 'speak no evil' meaning rather than gossip implications.
Millennials: Commonly used to indicate workplace gossip or relationship secrets; frequently appears in private messages and group chats.
Common Combinations
ππ
Something hilariously inappropriate or embarrassing that shouldn't be shared but is funny.
Used when gossip or a social faux pas is too amusing to keep completely secret.
πβ€οΈ
A romantic secret or private affection that's being kept quiet.
Often used when discussing new relationships or crushes that aren't public yet.
ππ―
Acknowledging a truth that's accurate but inappropriate or taboo to mention.
Used when someone states a controversial opinion that others secretly agree with.
ππ₯
Scandalous or 'hot' gossip that's too risquΓ© to share openly.
Used to hint at provocative information, especially regarding relationships or social drama.
πππ
The complete 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' proverb, indicating total discretion.
References the Japanese Three Wise Monkeys, symbolizing the principle of avoiding impropriety.
Related Emojis
π
See-no-evil monkey, part of the same Three Wise Monkeys proverb
π
Hear-no-evil monkey, part of the same Three Wise Monkeys proverb
π€«
Shushing face, similar meaning of keeping quiet or secrets
π€
Face with hand over mouth, similar connotation of hiding speech or giggles
π³
Flushed face, often used together to express embarrassment