What "Aww" Means & How to Respond to It (With Tips & Examples)

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Send this cute slang term to express approval or admiration

Co-authored by Alysha Jeney, MA, LMFT and Maryana Lucia Vestic, MFA, M.Phil.

Last Updated: September 30, 2025 Fact Checked

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"Aww" Meaning

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Responses

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Uses

So, you’ve just gotten a text from your crush that says “awww,” and you have no clue how to respond. Have no fear because we’ve provided everything you need to know about the word “awww” when responding to texts or IRL conversations. Keep reading to learn what “awww” means, plus when and how to use it, so you’ll know exactly how to respond.

What is the meaning of “awww”?

“Awww” can be used when reacting to something adorable, sweet, or cute. People send “awww” to show support to a friend or to react to a cute photo. Respond to “awww” with a compliment, 😊(smiling emoji), or a simple “thank you.”

Section 1 of 3:

What does “awww” mean?

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“Awww” is used in response to something cute. If someone thinks something is adorable, sweet, or downright cute, they’ll make an “awww” sound. This sound can be written out while texting to express the same sentiment.^{[1]
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- For example, if you send a picture of a puppy to your partner, they may respond with “Awww! My heart 🥺” or “AWWW, SO CUTE!”
- “Aww” and “awe” sound the same, but they have different meanings. Unlike “aww,” “awe” is a noun that expresses fear, dread, or fascination.^{[2]
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“Awww” expresses admiration or approval. This word is often used to say, “I like it!” or “way to go!” It’s an exclamation of the fuzzy, warm feeling you get when you’re proud of someone or something.^{[3]
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- For example, if you send a message to your mom saying you aced a test, she might reply with an “Awww! See? I knew you could do it!”
- More ws can be added to an “awww” if something’s extra cute or adorable." “Awww" and "aww" are used interchangeably when texting and mean the same thing.^{[4]
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“Awww” can convey sympathy or slight disappointment. “Awww” can be used when you feel sorry for someone you’re in a conversation with. It’s also common to say “awww” when you’re a touch let down by them because they can’t keep a date, for example.^{[5]
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- “Awww, I hope you feel better, my sweet.”
- “Awww… I was hoping I’d see you at the game on Saturday.”

Section 2 of 3:

How to Respond to “Awww”

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Respond with a sweet remark. If you’re texting or talking to your significant other, return their sentiments with something cute. Licensed relationship therapist Alysha Jeney, MA, LMFT, believes that "Any compliment that feels genuinely personal” works best.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Alysha Jeney, MA, LMFT
Licensed Relationship Therapist

Expert Interview} Compliment them, say something along the lines of “that’s so nice of you,” or offer a simple thank you, like, “Thanks, baby.”
- Respond to a sweet text from a guy with, “You’re just saying that so I’ll blush 🥰”
- Respond when a girl or guy calls you cute with, “I look this good thanks to you. My girlfriend/boyfriend is the best stylist in town!”
- You can also respond to a compliment text with, “You made my day, as always!”
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Text them back a 😊 (smiling face) or 😉 (winking face) emoji. You can’t go wrong with a flirty emoji, especially if you’re not sure what to say. Keep it casual with a classic smiley face emoji if you're texting a friend. But, if you’re texting a crush or partner, spice things up with a 😉wink emoji or even a 😘 kissing emoji. You can also use a 🥹(holding back tears emoji) if you can’t take the cuteness you’re seeing.
- “See? Cute bunnies fix any problem 😊”
- “I thought you’d think the puppy’s cute 😉”
- “I’m much cuter in person 😘”
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Express how cute you think something is. Say you’ve been sent or shown a video of the most adorable kitten you’ve ever seen. Share with a friend, crush, or partner that you think what they think is cute is totally cute too!
- “My heart’s melting 😍”
- “Isn’t that the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?”
If you’re having an actual in-person conversation, and they say “awww” at you, smile back to acknowledge their compliment or approval. This is ideal when hanging out with your crush or snuggling close to your significant other. Plus, no words are needed!

Section 3 of 3:

How to Use “Awww”

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Use this expression to respond if you’ve been sent or shown the most adorable picture of a pet or family member. Your reaction will let them know that you think their cat or nephew is the cutest thing ever!^{[7]
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Send an “awww” when you’re being supportive. If your best friend or partner sends you a text about a recent success, reply with an “awww” to show how much you care. It shows that you support them, and this exclamation is a great way to express that.
- “Awww! Congrats🎉 You’re going to be amazing in the show!”
- “Awww! I’m SO proud of you!! All that hard work is paying off! 😄”
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Say “awww” when someone or something is adorable. Let your “awww” come naturally whenever you see something cute. This way, everyone will know that something’s so cute you might just explode!
- “Awww! Look at the baby dolphin.”
- “Awww! He’s wearing his new tux.”
- “Awww! Did you see how he ran to her?”
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Text or say “Awww-yeah!” when things are going your way. This common phrase uses the sound of “awww” paired with a triumphant “yeah” to say, “Alright!” or “Let’s go!” Use this exciting phrase when you’re feeling great or have received good news.
- “Awww-yeah! We’re going to LA, baby!”
- “Awww-yeah! Nothing’s going to stop me now!”
- “Awww-yeah! This day is going to be perfect.”
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Respond with “awww” to show sympathy or when you’re disappointed. If you’re having a conversation with someone who’s going through some rough times, offering an “awww” lets them know you’re thinking about them. You can also say “awww” when they let you down (usually in an insignificant way).^{[8]
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- “Awww, I know how much you miss your sweet kitty cat.”
- “Awww, I know you can’t be at the reunion, but we’ll really miss you.”