༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ is a well-known Unicode kaomoji that gained popularity on 4chan, especially during early 2010s when users began heavily experimenting with extended Unicode characters. Unlike traditional ASCII emoticons, this kaomoji uses a mix of non-Latin symbols—Tibetan brackets for the body, geometric shapes for the eyes, and the Japanese character つ to represent outstretched hands—allowing it to visually convey a clear, expressive gesture: an offered hug. On 4chan, where irony and hostility are common, the kaomoji stood out for its unexpected sincerity. It was frequently posted in response to emotional threads, confessions, or moments of vulnerability, serving as a simple but effective way to show support without words. Its deadpan facial expression helped it fit naturally into 4chan's culture—emotionally neutral enough to avoid sentimentality, yet unmistakably kind. Over time, ༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ became one of the board's most recognizable Unicode symbols, spreading beyond 4chan to Reddit and other forums while retaining its original association with anonymous, understated empathy. It remains a small but enduring artifact of early Unicode internet culture.