We have entered a world in which feelings can be communicated over a iPhone or laptop screen. Emojis are used in place of facial expressions, words, and now feelings of infatuation. Knowing which emoji means what is now important in understanding your possible future bae. Hackley students use a combination of emojis to signify their interest in their peers, some of which are much more classic than others.

For those of us who believe in a more classic approach to emoji flirting, using the kissy face or the heart eyes is a great choice. “When flirting, I’d obviously use the kissy face or the smirk face,” said Sophomore Izzy Sellon. “When flirting, I use a combination of the kissy face and the winky face,” said Freshman Homer Gere. “I most often use emojis when flirting, with a combo of the heart eyes, the kissy face, and the guy with his tongue out,” said Freshman Lucas Reeber. Senior Andrea McCree said, “I use the kissy face with the heart on the side to let people know that I’m flirting.” “I use the smiley face with the heart eyes because it’s funny and makes them think that you like them,” said Freshman Will Waterhouse. “My favorite flirty emoji is the kissy face,” said Junior James Hjerpe. Freshman Liam Bogart said, “I don’t really flirt, but if I was to choose one it would be the hearty eyes because it’s hearty eyes.”

For a more suggestive or openly flirty emoji, go for the winky face or smirk face. These emojis show your texting partner that you are more openly into them, and ready for the next step. Sophomore Sam Rinzler said, “I use the winky face when flirting. The smirk is like next level flirting.” “I most likely use emojis when flirting, and use the winky face, obviously, or the heart,” said Senior Derek Rosenzweig. Junior Nkechi Nwokorie weighed in on the question, saying, “I don’t try to be flirty, but I think that the smirking emoji is the most flirtatious.”

“I like the smirk face because it’s actually suggestive,” said Junior Nick Gutfleish. Junior Alexander Delia reaffirms this point, saying, “Definitely the wink emoji, because it’s like ‘get what I’m saying’ or ‘catch my drift’ wink.” Junior Luka Yancopoulos also aggrees, saying, “The smirky face emoji because he is the perfect amount of sexy and serious. He hints that he wants to play but is not showing emotions. Something rancid behind his little eyes.”

Though the winky, kissy, heart eyes, and smirk face are classics, there are still a ton of other really sensual emojis that can positively convey your interest in the person you are texting. Junior Elana Stern said, “I really like using the lipstick mark when flirting, it makes it flirty but not super serious.” Junior Spyridon Coffinas said, “My favorite flirtacious emoji is an airplane because it signifies my love flying to a whole other level.” “I use the blushy face emoji when flirting,” said Senior Amanda Rosenstein. Junior Anna Meyers said, “Really any combination of hearts is right up my alley.” Whereas, Junior Carina Burroughs said, “The bride emoji because marriage is the only flirting I know.”  “The steaming coffee cup, because it shows that I’m both nice and hot,” claims Molly Harmon. Physics Teacher Mr. McLay uses the ghost pirate emoji.

And then of course there are those of us that plainly and simply do not like emojis. If you are like this, then you can certainly relate to Junior Kat Cucullo, who said, “I don’t use emojis ever to be flirty, because people who use emojis are weird creatures.”