The thinking face emoji is used when someone is considering an idea, questioning a claim, or trying to understand something. It can be thoughtful, curious, doubtful, or skeptical.
🤔
Common uses
People use it after questions, surprising facts, confusing statements, suspicious claims, or plans that need more thought.
Serious or sarcastic?
It can be sincere, as in "I am thinking about it." It can also be sarcastic, as in "that does not sound right." The meaning depends on the sentence around it.
For stronger surprise, the exploding head emoji may be a better fit.