You might have stared at your computer screen and wondered, “What does ‘UwU smol bean’ even mean?” If so, you’re not alone. This phrase can be tricky, and we’re here to break it down for you.

For the next few minutes, think of this article as your friendly guide to understanding internet slang. We’ll explain what the emoticon “uwu” means, how it’s used—especially when a girl sends it—and where it originated in the online world. Plus, we’ll show you how to use “uwu” and similar emoticons in your own messages.

Key Points to Understand

• “Uwu” is an emoticon that shows a cute or smug smile.
• People often use “uwu” in response to cute pictures or anything adorable.
• It can also convey a sense of playful pride, self-satisfaction, or shyness.
• The terms “uwu girl” or “uwu culture” describe a community focused on cute styles and aesthetics.

Steps

What Does “uwu” Mean?

“Uwu” is a text emoticon that shows happiness or smugness.

It’s usually pronounced as “oo-uh” or “oo-woo.” The two U’s represent closed eyes, and the W in the middle looks like an animal’s mouth, like that of a cat. People use it to convey feelings of joy or contentment. It can also indicate a lighthearted sense of smugness.

• Sometimes, “uwu” is called the “happy anime” because it’s popular in anime and related groups.
• “UwU, we can’t wait for the movie to start.”
• “I got the last pie! UwU”

What “UwU” Means When a Girl Textes It?

Girls often use “uwu” to show they appreciate something cute.

Usually, it comes up when reacting to adorable things, like a picture of a cute kitten or a fluffy stuffed animal. When a girl uses it in this way, it means she’s overwhelmed by how cute something is.  

• You: “Check out this photo of my puppy.”  
• Her: “She’s so adorable!! uwu”

A girl might use “uwu” to show that she feels shy.

In addition to its other meanings, some girls use it to express a cute, bashful vibe. This is often paired with “👉👈”, which add a sense of modesty or softness.

• “Hey, can you get us lunch? uwu 👉👈”
• “I think she is really cute uwu.”

UwU Origins 

“UwU” likely has connections to Japanese “kawaii” culture. 

“Kawaii,” which means “cute,” focuses on everything adorable, like cute clothes, animals, and mascot characters. This subculture loves using different emojis and emoticons. While it’s unclear if kawaii culture is the direct source of “uwu,” it is widely used by people in this scene.

The term might also relate to “kaomoji,” which are emojis made with Japanese characters and are often viewed as particularly cute.

“UwU” became popular in 2013 on Tumblr.

A discussion between users highlighted how the emoticon looks like a face, which helped it go viral. This led to its widespread use on Tumblr and other platforms.

• The earliest known use of “uwu” was in a fanfiction related to the popular anime Yu-Gi-Oh, published in 2005.
• In 2012, Urban Dictionary defined “uwu” as “another way to type the smiley face :3, TwT, or twt. It expresses happiness, like the face of an anime character who is very joyful.”
• Although “uwu” was likely used in chat rooms and forums before this definition or the Tumblr conversation, tracing its exact origins is difficult due to the internet’s vastness.

“UwU” Users

“UwU” is frequently used by members of fandoms.

Although the term has become more common in general conversation, it remains popular in fan communities. These groups focus on things like TV shows or K-pop bands. In these spaces, people use “uwu” to show their admiration for characters or to share their feelings about recent episodes.

• “The last music video left us feeling uwu.”
• “I cried once Michael gained her trust… uwu.”

“UwU” is commonly used by “e-girls” and those in “hyper-cute” subcultures.

“E-girls” are online personas that embraces cute or soft styles. “Uwu girls” are a specific type of e-girl who take the emoticon and its cute meanings to an extreme. They often communicate and behave with exaggerated innocence or childlike mannerisms that others find adorable.

• This type of girl is typically active on Discord, a popular chat platform for gamers.
• However, this subculture can sometimes include sexual or mature themes.

Some people use “uwu” jokingly or have a negative view of it.

As with any trend online, while there are fans, there are also critics. Many internet users use the emoticon in a sarcastic way to make fun of it. Some express worries that “uwu culture” could encourage unhealthy dynamics through its use of “cute-speak.”

For example, someone might say, “Ugh, Imma have to go uwu tonight.”

How to Utilize “Uwu”

You can use “uwu” to show happiness or when something is really cute.

Most internet users use “uwu” to express their joy or to respond to something they find charming.

• “I had to share my outfit because I feel so nice, uwu.”
• “I saw the cutest kitty on my way home, uwu.”

Use UwU to Show Lighthearted Smugness

You can also use “uwu” to playfully boast about your wins or tease your friends when they don’t do so well. It’s a great way to add humor when you’re joking around with friends.

• “I know I’m good, but there’s nothing else to do, uwu.”
• “I only annoy you because I care about you, uwu.”

Utilize UwU to Express Shyness

You can use “uwu” to show that you feel a little shy or hesitant. It’s not meant to be awkward or uncomfortable, but rather a gentle and lighthearted approach. This is often the case when you’re making a request.

• “I hope it’s okay, but could you help me with my homework? uwu”
• “Do you think I could join you for lunch today? Uwu”

Responding to UwU using Playful Tone

When someone sends you an “uwu,” they’re being fun and cheerful. If you’re in the mood, join in and keep the playful vibe going. You don’t need to sound overly childish, but feel free to embrace the tone.

• Them: “Look at how adorable this puppy is! UwU, I want to cuddle him!”
• You: “That puppy is absolutely precious! uwu”

Similar Emoticons

OwO

This is a twist on the original emoticon, featuring wide-open eyes. It often conveys surprise or intense focus, similar to how a cat looks when it’s ready to pounce.

“Owo, it smells delicious, Is that steak?”

T_T

This emoticon shows a sad face, complete with two streams of tears running down to a straight mouth. It’s commonly used to express sadness.

Keep in mind that a similar face, TwT, shows tears of joy with a cheerful smile.

“She just spilled her tea T_T”

^ – ^

This face features two closed eyes and a small, happy mouth. It typically shows up with cheerful messages.

“Its alright, he can have the greens! ^ – ^”

–_–

This emoticon consists of two flat, closed eyes and a straight mouth. It conveys a sense of dry disappointment or boredom.

“I just dropped my second tape–_–”