What Does the 😷 (Mask) Emoji Mean? Plus, Tips on How to Use It

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Master using this health-conscious emoji

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Meanings & Uses

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How to Respond

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Similar Emojis

Just saw the 😷 (mask emoji) and don't know what it means? You're not alone! While this emoji is typically used in messages about sickness and social distancing, it can also be used to emphasize feelings of disgust or disapproval. Below, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about the 😷 (mask emoji), including how to respond. Let's dive in!

Things You Should Know

Use the 😷 (mask emoji) to tell someone you’re feeling sick, practicing social distancing, or expressing your dislike for something.
When a sick friend sends you 😷, reply with a heartfelt get-well message and offer support where you can.
Emojis that are similar to 😷 include the 🤒 (face with thermometer) emoji, 🤧 (blowing nose) emoji, and 🤢 (nauseated) emoji.

Section 1 of 3:

😷 (Mask) Emoji Meanings & Uses

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The 😷 (mask) emoji can mean someone’s sick. When someone’s feeling under the weather, they might send 😷 as a means to let you know. They might feel the need to send this particular emoji especially if they think they might be contagious, and this could be their way of telling you that they’ll be quarantining at homie for a bit until they feel better.^{[1]XResearch source}
- “I think I have the flu 😷🤧 It’s probably best if I don’t go to class, right?”
- “I don’t want to get any of you sick so I’m going to take a rain check on this weekend 😷😷”
- “I hate being sick 🤒😷😩”
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😷 can also mean someone’s practicing social distancing. Even if someone’s not sick yet, they still might want to be proactive about staying away from others who might be. When they send 😷, it could mean that they’re being a little more cautious than normal and trying to avoid people and situations that could get them sick. For example:
- “I heard the flu’s going around, so I might pass on going out to the bar on Friday 😷😷”
- “Everyone’s getting sick now 🥴 Should probably stay away from crowded places just to be safe 😷😷”
- “I think I should start wearing a mask around since everyone else seems like they’re getting sick 😷”
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People send 😷 to tell others to be safe and stay healthy. Sending 😷 may be your friend’s way of telling you to take care of your health, especially if there’s a nasty virus going around. This is also the perfect emoji to use if you’re a health professional, such a nurse or doctor, who’s trying to help others stay healthy and safe.
- “Don’t forget to wash your hands! 💦🫲😷”
- “Seems like everyone is getting sick so be sure to wash your hands, get lots of sleep, and eat well 😷😘”
- “Did you get your flu shot? You should do that soon if you haven’t! 😷😷”
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😷 can express disgust or discomfort. When someone is grossed out by something they’ve seen or heard, they might send 😷 as a way to visually represent their reaction. For example, if they see a video of something really off-putting, they might send a text or write a comment that includes 😷. Or, if they disagree with someone else’s opinion, they might include this emoji to express their discontent.
- “Omg I don’t think I could watch that again. It was kinda gross 😷🤢”
- “I’m sorry, but their opinion is wrong 😷😬”
- “Once you start drinking oat milk you suddenly realize how bad regular dairy milk is 😷”

Section 2 of 3:

Responding to the 😷 (Mask) Emoji

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Send a sick friend well wishes for a speedy recovery. If the person texting you is feeling under the weather, do your best to cheer them up by sending a sweet get-well message. Be sure to include lots of smiley faces and hearts, and let them know that you’ll be there for them if they need you.
- “Oh no! 😢 I’m sorry to hear you’re not feeling well. Let me know if you need anything! ❤️”
- “Hope you feel better soon 😘 Drink lots of water and just rest!”
- “I’m going to make you some soup and bring it over 🍜💜”
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Thank someone for being considerate of others’ health. Be sure to send an encouraging and supportive message if someone you know is choosing to practice social distancing to keep themselves and others safe. They may feel bad about having to miss out on fun plans, so be sure to let them know just how appreciative you are of their dedication to staying healthy.
- “Yeah, it seems like everyone’s getting sick so it’s smart to stay away for a couple days 👍”
- “Good idea! Maybe we can do a virtual hangout instead! 😊”
- “Wearing a mask is super smart 😷 I think I’ll do the same!”
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Reply with your own hot take. If someone is sending 😷 as a way to express their disgust or discomfort with a certain situation, person, or opinion, reply with your own thoughts. Maybe you agree with them, or maybe you disagree and want to defend your take. You never know; you might end up having a very interesting conversation.
- Them: Socks and sandals are just not it 😷
  You: Agreed. I could never 😁
- Them: Who even uses Facebook anymore? 😷
  You: Ok but actually it’s not that bad!
- Them: You’ll never catch me running a marathon 😷😷
  You: Why not? Running is fun! 🏃

Section 3 of 3:

Similar Emojis

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🤒 (face with thermometer) emoji It’s easy to tell that you’re feeling under the weather when you send this emoji. This emoji with a thermometer and queasy expression might be your way of telling someone that you’re running a fever or just not feeling like your usual self.^{[2]XResearch source}
- “I don’t think I’ll be able to come to work today 🤒 I’ve been feeling sick since this morning 😭”
- “🤒 Sadly, I’m going to have to pass on hanging out tomorrow.”
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🤧 (blowing nose) emoji This is a good emoji to use if you’re suffering from a cold or just generally not feeling the best. This emoji is also good to use if you think you may be contagious and want to warn your friends to stay away for a bit.
- “I always get a cold during the fall 🤧🤧”
- “I think I’m sick but I have so much work to do 🤧😭”
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🤢 (nauseated) emoji If you’re suffering from a particularly nasty virus, sending 🤢 gets a pretty strong message across. Whether you’re literally feeling nauseous because you’re sick or if you’re just feeling very uncomfortable, 🤢 is a good emoji to include in your message. It’s also another way to express disgust when seeing something gross or hearing something you don’t agree with.^{[3]XResearch source}
- “My stomach has been upset all morning 🤢 I think I might stay home today 😷”
- “Someone just admitted that they take their shoes off on the airplane 🤢🤢”