KEKW is a Twitch emote used when something is hilariously funny. It shows a zoomed-in face of a man laughing uncontrollably, and is usually spammed in chat when something unexpected or absurd happens on stream.
Unlike sarcastic or ironic emotes like Kappa, KEKW is used for genuine laughter. It is Twitch’s version of laughing out loud, and has replaced older emotes like LUL in many communities.
What Is the KEKW Emote?
KEKW is a global Twitch emote featuring the Spanish comedian Juan Joya Borja, also known as “El Risitas.” The image is taken from a viral interview clip where he bursts into laughter while telling a story.
The emote became popular because of his unique laugh and expression. KEKW is now Twitch’s go-to reaction to something that is truly funny, whether it is gameplay, a donation alert, or an awkward fail.
You will see KEKW used when:
- A streamer makes a huge mistake
- Chat finds something genuinely hilarious
- A loud or unexpected sound effect plays
Origin of the KEKW Emote
The KEKW emote comes from a 2007 Spanish TV interview where El Risitas shares a story and starts laughing so hard that he can barely breathe. The clip was later turned into a meme with subtitles replaced to fit various jokes.
The emote name “KEKW” is a mix of:
- “KEK,” a gaming version of “LOL”
- “W,” which Twitch users often add for exaggerated effect
KEKW was added to BetterTTV and quickly became a staple in meme-heavy communities. It later became available as a global Twitch emote and saw widespread use across the platform.
How KEKW Is Used on Twitch
KEKW is spammed in chat to show that something is extremely funny. It is often used in large chains and combined with text reactions or meme spam.
Examples:
Streamer falls off a ledge mid-sentence → Chat: KEKW KEKW KEKW
Donation plays a perfectly timed sound → KEKW fills the screen instantly
It is a chat-driven emote that brings viewers together in shared laughter.
Similar Emotes to KEKW
KEKW is part of Twitch’s collection of reaction emotes focused on humor. If you enjoy KEKW, these also carry similar energy:
TriHard – Sometimes used during hype or spam moments
LUL – Original laughing emote, still widely used
Jebaited – When someone falls for a trick or setup
Pepega – Silly or ridiculous behavior, often used with KEKW
Explore all emotes in the Twitch Emote Glossary
How to Use KEKW on Your Stream
KEKW is a global Twitch emote and works by default in all channels. Just type KEKW in chat and it will appear.
KEKW in Twitch Culture
KEKW has become one of the most used emotes on Twitch. It represents real laughter, shared reactions, and the chaotic energy of live streaming. Whether something is funny because it is well-timed, cringe, or completely unplanned, KEKW captures that feeling perfectly.
It is used in casual streams, esports events, Just Chatting streams, and everything in between. Even as new emotes appear, KEKW remains the default way to laugh along with chat.
FAQs
What does KEKW mean on Twitch?
KEKW is used to react to something hilarious or unexpected. It shows uncontrollable laughter in chat.
Who is the person in the KEKW emote?
The face is Spanish comedian Juan Joya Borja, also known as El Risitas, from a viral interview clip.
Is KEKW available to all users?
Yes. KEKW is a global Twitch emote and works by default in all channels.
Final Thoughts
KEKW is Twitch’s most recognizable laughing emote. It reflects the energy and spontaneity of the platform and gives chat a way to react together when things go off the rails.
To explore more Twitch emotes like this one, visit our Twitch Emote Meaning Guide. If you want to enhance your stream design, check out our full stream overlay collection.
