What Does <3 Mean on Social Media?

Co-authored by Laura Bilotta and Bailey Cho

Last Updated: July 10, 2024 Fact Checked

Curious about the <3 emoticon? Well, you’ve come to the right place! This heart can appear just about anywhere—on Facebook, Instagram, and even when texting a friend. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything there is to know about the <3 (heart) emoticon, from what it means to how you can use it.

Section 1 of 5:

What does the <3 (heart) emoticon mean?

Download Article

The <3 emoticon means love on social media. This cute symbol is most commonly used to discuss romantic relationships, friendships, or passions when texting, tweeting, or posting. Someone may use a <3 to replace the word “love” in a sentence or to convey warm feelings for someone or something.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- “I <3 New York City!”
- “Chocolate chip cookies can make any day better <3”
- “His red carpet look took my breath away! Can he be any finer? <3”
- The heart emoticon expresses warmth, fondness, or attraction towards someone.
- When trying to interpret the meaning behind a symbol "<3" it's important to consider the context and history of your interactions, as well as any other clues or signals that the other person may be giving.
- If you have been dating, the "<3" may be a signal of romantic interest. It could be a friendly gesture of appreciation or support from a friend or acquaintance.

Section 2 of 5:

How to Use the <3 (Heart) on Social Media

Download Article

1
Replace the word “love” with a <3 emoticon. Why write out a word when you can use a cute symbol instead? Keep your social media caption or text short and sweet by using a <3 instead of “love.”^{[2]
X
Research source}
- “I <3 chocolate!”
- “Babe, I couldn’t <3 you more.”
2
Send a single <3 emoticon to someone you like. This simple emoticon represents all things love, including the imperfections. Try sending a <3 instead of a ❤️ emoji to tell your lover or crush you love them so much that you’re willing to type two symbols rather than a single emoji.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- “Happy Valentine’s Day <3”
- “I love you to the moon and back <3”
3
Show compassion with a <3 emoticon. A single <3 can let someone know you care about them. If a friend’s going through a tough time, send them a <3 emoticon to say, “I love you.^{[4]
X
Research source}”
- “You’re not in this alone <3”
- “I’ll always be here for you <3”

Section 3 of 5:

Variations of the <3 (Heart) Emoticon

Download Article

1
A </3 emoticon symbolizes a broken heart. If someone is heartbroken or upset, they may post about their feelings with a </3. This symbol is a variation of the classic <3 with the / representing the splitting of a heart. Basically, it’s a simpler version of the 💔 emoji.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- “She dumped me over the phone </3”
- “My heart aches for those who lost loved ones </3”
2
A <3 emoticon with extra 3s expresses an extreme love. Rather than typing out <3<3<3<3, someone will use <3333 instead.^{[6]
X
Research source} This variation is the same as using multiple heart emoticons or the 💗 emoji.
- “Could you be any cuter? <333”
- “I think I’m in love! <33333”
3
A <2 emoticon portrays a love that’s less than <3. If someone uses this <3 emoticon variation, chances are they’re not ready to say “I love you” just yet. Think of it like saying, “I like you.”
- “You’re pretty great too! <2”
- “Maybe we could hang out again soon <2”
4
A <4 emoticon represents a love that’s bigger than <3. In other words, this variation screams, “I love you to the moon and back!” Their love is so big that the typical 3 can’t do it justice.
- “You’re my world, baby <4”
- “But really. I’m OBSESSED <4”

Section 4 of 5:

What does the :3 (neko smile) emoticon mean?

Download Article

The :3 emoticon means playfulness, happiness, and affection. Also called the “cat face” emoticon, :3 resembles a cat with squinting eyes and a smiling mouth. It’s often used in online communications to convey affection, genuine happiness, or childlike innocence, especially if someone is texting their crush.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- “I love you :3”
- “Good morning :3”
- “Hope you have the best day ever :3”

Section 5 of 5:

What does the :S (confused) emoticon mean?

Download Article

The :S emoticon represents confusion or overwhelm. If you don’t understand something or feel overwhelmed, use :S to express yourself. It signals confusion, embarrassment, being at a loss for words, or a combination of those emotions.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- “I’m so lost :S”
- “This doesn’t make any sense :S”
- “Why are the answer choices so similar? :S”

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Can I send this to my guy best friend without it seeming romantic?

Phuong Tran

Community Answer

Generally, yes, if you are strictly friends and do not flirt or have romantic interest in each other. It's common for close friends to express their platonic love for each other. Be certain that you both mutually consider each other as only close friends.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 28
Question

What does the 🙏 mean?

Phuong Tran

Community Answer

People who use that emoji can be using it to say they are praying (in religious settings, or praying for someone and their family during a tragedy, a loss, etc). During conversations it can be used to plead or beg. It could also be used as a greeting if the user is spiritual or a follower of certain religions like Buddhism.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 19