lel

Hide the Pain Harold wearing a strained, uncomfortable smile while looking directly at the camera.
View full size
This server hasn't enabled bulk download

What does the lel emoji mean?

The ultimate expression of internal agony masked by a polite, strained smile.

This is the iconic 'Hide the Pain Harold' meme, featuring András Arató, whose stock photo expression became a global symbol for suffering through awkward situations. In Discord and Slack, it is the go-to reaction for when you are forced to be professional while everything is falling apart or when you are deeply uncomfortable.

When to use it

  • Acknowledging a painfully awkward situation in chat
  • Reacting to a boss making unreasonable demands
  • Showing forced politeness during a stressful moment
  • Expressing internal despair behind a fake smile

Part of these collections

Discover similar emojis

Embed & share

How to add this emoji

Add to Discord
  1. Click Download PNG above to save the lel image.
  2. Open Discord and go to Server Settings → Emoji.
  3. Click Upload Emoji and choose the downloaded file.
  4. Give it a name and save. You need the Manage Emojis and Stickers permission.
Add to Slack
  1. Download the lel image.
  2. Open the Slack emoji picker and click Add Emoji.
  3. Upload the file, name it, and save.
Add to Revolt/Stoat
  1. Download the lel image.
  2. Open Server Settings → Emojis in Revolt or Stoat.
  3. Upload the file and name your new emoji.
Add to Guilded
  1. Download the lel image.
  2. Go to Server Settings → Emotes in Guilded.
  3. Upload the file and give it a name.