🔣 ASCII Emoticons
14 emoticons
ASCII emoticons use the classic underscore-eyes pattern (X_X) to create a family of simple but expressive faces. Each one substitutes different characters for the eyes to convey a distinct emotion — from dizzy @_@ to starstruck *_*.
This emoticon style emerged from early internet chat rooms and forums where only basic ASCII characters were available. The consistent format makes them easy to understand at a glance: the characters on either side of the underscore are the eyes, and the underscore is the mouth.
Despite their simplicity, ASCII emoticons cover a wide emotional range. Money eyes $_$ for greed, dead eyes x_x for exhaustion, and star eyes *_* for amazement — all using just three characters each.
How to Use ASCII Emoticons
- -@_@ works for dizziness, confusion, or being overwhelmed.
- -*_* shows amazement or being starstruck — great for reacting to impressive things.
- -$_$ is the money eyes face — use it for anything involving money or deals.
- -x_x and X_X express being dead, exhausted, or knocked out.
- -=_= is the unimpressed or bored face — similar to -_- but with different eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does @_@ mean?
@_@ represents dizzy or spinning eyes. The @ symbols look like swirling, unfocused eyes, suggesting confusion, dizziness, or being overwhelmed. It is commonly used when something is mind-boggling or disorienting.
What does *_* mean in text?
*_* represents star eyes, expressing amazement, wonder, or being starstruck. The asterisks look like sparkling or star-shaped eyes, similar to the star-eyes emoji. Use it when something impresses you.
What does x_x mean?
x_x represents a dead or knocked-out face. The x characters look like closed, crossed-out eyes — like the Xs drawn on cartoon characters who have fainted. It is used for extreme tiredness, defeat, or comedic "death" reactions.