Which emojis should I avoid when flirting?

What Not to Text: Emoji Mistakes That Kill the Mood

Flirting over text can be tricky—especially when you're relying on emojis to do some of the heavy lifting. While a well-placed smiley or winky face can add charm, some emojis can accidentally send the wrong message. According to a 2022 report, a few emojis should definitely be avoided when trying to spark a connection.

The number one offender? The poop emoji. While it might seem playful or funny to you, it’s rarely seen as flirty. In fact, it often comes across as immature or tone-deaf in a romantic context. Save it for silly convos with friends—not your potential love interest.

Next up: the angry face emoji. While frustration might creep in during any conversation, leading with anger—even jokingly—can feel off-putting. Flirting thrives on warmth and playfulness, and a red, scowling face doesn’t exactly radiate that energy.

And then there’s the infamous eggplant emoji. Symbolizing more than just a garden vegetable (yes, botanically it’s a fruit), the eggplant has earned its reputation as the poster child for suggestive texting. But here's the catch—using it too early can feel overly aggressive or presumptuous. What might seem like cheeky flirtation to you could read as pushy or crude to someone else, especially if you’re still getting to know each other.

The bottom line? Emojis are powerful tools in digital flirting, but timing and tone matter. A little playfulness goes a long way—but knowing when to hold back is just as important. When in doubt, keep it light, respectful, and maybe skip the vegetables (and poop) altogether.