diff --git a/pkg/agent/loop.go b/pkg/agent/loop.go
index af09b0086..291c2aa5a 100644
--- a/pkg/agent/loop.go
+++ b/pkg/agent/loop.go
@@ -1292,7 +1292,9 @@ Token usage (this session):
 		), true
 
 	default:
-		return fmt.Sprintf("Unknown command: %s\nType :help for available commands.", cmd), true
+		// Don't intercept unrecognized : prefixed messages (e.g. :) :D :thinking:)
+		// Let them pass through as normal chat messages
+		return "", false
 	}
 }