Text Emoticons
Choose a sideways smiley or an upright text face.
Updated · SnakeBaby
Choose and copy an example
9 examples
Text emoticons arrange characters into a face. A sideways smiley such as :) uses punctuation; an upright (^_^) can be read without turning your head. Kaomoji with additional Unicode characters offer other shapes. This page compares the formats so you can choose a clear expression or a simpler fallback.
Tap Copy for the original text. Paste into your profile or message, then make it your own.
Sideways punctuation smileys
Read the colon as eyes and the last character as the mouth.
Upright ASCII faces
Faces made from characters in the basic ASCII range.
Unicode kaomoji
Upright faces using additional character shapes.
Compare orientation and character set
The sideways group is compact and familiar as punctuation. Upright faces provide a full outline, while additional Unicode characters create different eyes and mouths. Format and character set are separate choices.
A kaomoji is an arrangement, not necessarily one special symbol. Choose a face whose intended tone is supported by the surrounding words.
Keep a simple text alternative
If an additional letter is unavailable, an ASCII face can retain the general tone without that character. Unicode documents missing font support as a cause of boxed characters.
Unicode data identifies each component and code point. If the destination converts :) into an image, use its own text-formatting controls if available, or choose an upright alternative and inspect the saved message.
Sources and references
Unicode supports component identities and the missing-font explanation. Format comparisons and reaction examples are editorial guidance; destination substitutions have not been tested in accounts.
How this collection is maintained
Review checks sideways versus upright orientation, ASCII-range examples, component identities, assigned characters, exact copying, fallback boundaries, source visibility, and mobile layout.
Published by SnakeBaby. Report an example or explanation that needs correcting.
How to use these
- Choose the format and tone your recipient can understand.
- Copy the complete face, including any nose or outline.
- Write the message clearly and check whether the app transforms the text.
Platform notes
- ASCII uses code points U+0000–U+007F; the upright ASCII examples here stay within that range.
- ω is Greek Small Letter Omega, while ಥ is Kannada Letter Tha.
- Text arrangements are distinct from dedicated emoji characters; an app may still replace an entered smiley with a graphic.
Examples in context
Quick FAQ
What is the difference between an emoticon and an emoji here?
An emoticon is a face constructed from ordinary text characters. Emoji are pictographic characters or sequences; a destination app may visually substitute a typed smiley, so inspect the saved result.
Are all kaomoji made from non-ASCII characters?
No. Upright faces such as (^_^) use basic ASCII characters. Other kaomoji add letters, marks, or symbols from additional Unicode ranges.
What can I use if one character appears as a box?
Try an ASCII face from the middle group and check the destination again. This avoids the specific additional character, though it does not guarantee every app preserves the text.