confounded face

This emoji represents a facial expression of being very perplexed or embarrassed. It is characterized by tightly closed eyes.

It is used when you've made a mistake or are in an awkward situation. It's also frequently used to express embarrassment or discomfort.

In digital communication, this emoji is used to express complex emotions beyond simple bewilderment. It effectively conveys the psychological burden and embarrassment felt in awkward or uncomfortable situations.

Recently on social media, it's frequently used to express "extreme awkwardness" or "social embarrassment," and it's especially popular among younger generations when describing relatable situations. For example, it's used to express situations like accidentally standing up when someone else's name is called at a cafe, or getting off on the wrong floor in an elevator.