When I first saw it, I thought it was a yawning smiley. Then I noticed people using it in a context that would indicate chagrin or embarrassment. So I decided to use it in that way. But now, I’m worried that other people see it as a yawn and may attribute nonchalance, weariness, or even gasp apathy to my words when I mean to convey sheepishness or remorse. Because, you know, I couldn’t make my meaning clear enough using words alone…I must spice up my post with a colorful little face.
I think a lot of people have different and unclear uses for that one. The open-eyed one is the “eek!” smiley. The closed-eyed one has also been used as…
In my opinion, the embarrassed smiley isn’t very clear, and doesn’t convey embarrassment. The next time the mods are in for a smiley party, instead of finding a new smiley, fix that one.