Side eye

What does side eye mean?

Side eye refers to a facial expression where someone glances at another person or situation with a skeptical, disapproving, or judgmental look from the corner of their eyes while keeping their head facing forward. 

This nonverbal communication has become a popular cultural reference on social media platforms and in everyday conversation. Often used to express doubt, suspicion, or criticism, the side eye has evolved from a simple facial expression to a significant element of digital communication and online culture.

The meaning behind side eye

The side eye expression carries several emotional connotations depending on context:

• Skepticism or doubt: When you're not fully convinced by what someone is saying
• Judgment or disapproval: Silently criticizing someone's behavior or choices
• Suspicion: Questioning someone's motives or intentions
• Sarcasm: Adding a visual cue that your comment shouldn't be taken at face value
• Humor: Using exaggerated side eye to create comedic effect

As a form of nonverbal communication, the side eye allows people to express complex emotions without saying a word—making it particularly valuable in digital spaces where nuance can be difficult to convey through text alone.

The side eye emoji explained

The side eye emoji, officially named "Unamused Face" (😒), features a yellow face with a slight frown and eyes looking to the side. This emoji has become the digital equivalent of giving someone the side eye and is one of the most commonly used expressions to convey skepticism or disapproval.

The emoji has become so popular that many users incorporate it regularly in their social media captions and messages to add emotional context to their words. When text alone might be ambiguous, the side eye emoji immediately communicates skepticism or judgment.

When to use the side eye emoji

The side eye emoji can be appropriate in many contexts:

• In casual conversations to show playful skepticism
• In response to questionable claims on social platforms
• As a reaction to news or information that seems dubious
• To add humor to messages that might otherwise sound too serious
• When commenting on trends or viral content, you find questionable

Since emoji usage is subjective, the side eye emoji might be interpreted differently depending on your relationship with the recipient and the broader context of your conversation.

Side eye in pop culture and memes

The side eye expression has transcended basic communication to become a popular element in internet culture and memes. Celebrities like Michelle Obama, Rihanna, and Chrissy Teigen have become famous for their expressive side eye moments, which have been captured and shared widely across different platforms.

The bombastic side eye trend

In early 2023, "bombastic side eye" emerged as a viral TikTok trend. The trend features users giving an exaggerated, dramatic side eye accompanied by a specific audio clip. The bombastic side eye typically includes:

• An extremely pronounced sideways glance
• Raised eyebrows
• Sometimes paired with a slow head turn
• Often used in response to absurd or outrageous statements

This trend demonstrated how traditional nonverbal cues can evolve into social media trends with their own unique characteristics and cultural significance.

Side eye across different social media platforms

The use and interpretation of side eye vary slightly across different social media platforms:

Instagram

On Instagram, side eye often appears in stories, captions, and comments. Users frequently pair the side eye emoji with photos or Instagram Reels to add context to their content. It's particularly common in reaction posts where users are responding to trends or events they find questionable.

Twitter (X)

On Twitter/X, side eye is often text-based, with users writing "* side eye *" or using the emoji in replies. The platform's focus on quick, reactive communication makes side eye a useful shorthand for expressing skepticism about breaking news, viral tweets, or controversial statements.

TikTok

TikTok has embraced side eye both as an emoji and as a physical expression in videos. The platform's short-form video format allows creators to incorporate exaggerated side eye expressions into their content, often paired with trending sounds or as reactions to duetted videos.

Facebook

On Facebook, side eye appears in comments, reaction GIFs, and Facebook Story posts. The platform's diverse age demographics mean that side eye usage spans generations, though older users might be less familiar with its current cultural connotations.

How to effectively use side eye in digital communication?

When incorporating side eye into your social media strategy, consider these best practices:

Be mindful of tone

While side eye can be playful, it inherently communicates judgment or skepticism. When using it in brand communication, ensure it aligns with your brand's voice and won't be misinterpreted as overly critical or negative.

Consider your audience

Different demographics may interpret side eye differently. Younger audiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram might be more familiar with current usage, while professional contexts like LinkedIn might require more restraint.

Use it authentically

Like any social media trend, forced usage of side eye can come across as inauthentic. Use it when it genuinely fits the situation rather than trying to force it into your content strategy.

Pair with appropriate content

Side eye works best when there's clear context for your skepticism or judgment. When planning your content calendar, identify opportunities where side eye might naturally enhance your message rather than confuse it.

Side eye in marketing and brand communication

For marketers and social media managers, understanding side eye and similar cultural expressions is crucial for creating relevant, engaging content. 

Here's how brands can thoughtfully incorporate side eye:

Reactive marketing

When responding to industry news or trends, a well-placed side eye emoji can signal your brand's perspective without requiring a lengthy statement. This can be particularly effective for brands with a conversational or humorous social media voice.

Community management

When engaging with your social media community, side eye can be a lighthearted way to respond to customer comments, especially in situations calling for gentle skepticism or playful banter.

Trend participation

During relevant cultural moments where side eye becomes a trending topic, brands can participate in the conversation by creating content that incorporates the expression in an authentic way that aligns with their brand identity.

Measuring the impact of side eye in your content

Like any content element, you can measure how side eye affects your engagement:

• Track engagement: Compare posts using side eye emoji or references against your regular content
• Monitor sentiment: Ensure your use of side eye isn't creating negative brand perceptions
• Analyze comments: Look for audience responses that indicate they appreciate or dislike your use of side eye
• Test variations: Experiment with different contexts for side eye to find what resonates with your audience

Using social media analytics tools can help you understand how elements like side eye impact your overall content performance.

Conclusion

The side eye—whether expressed physically, through emoji, or in memes—has become a significant element of modern digital communication. Understanding its meaning, appropriate usage, and cultural significance can help both casual users and marketing professionals communicate more effectively online.

As with all aspects of social media, the key is authenticity and context—use side eye when it genuinely enhances your message, and you'll connect more effectively with your audience. 

Whether you're planning your next social media calendar or simply responding to a friend's questionable statement, the side eye remains a powerful tool for expressing skepticism in the digital age.