emoticon

(noun)

A graphical representation, either in the form of an image or made up of ASCII characters, of a particular emotion of the writer.

Related Terms

Examples of emoticon in the following topics:

  • Virtual Worlds

    • Beyond writing messages, users can communicate using emoticons, or simple "smilies" that visually depict simple emotions.
    • While emoticons obviously do not convey the same range of mixed emotions as a human face, it is clear that participants in virtual worlds are innovating with language and images to develop new forms of communication.

  • Role Theory

    • Beyond writing messages, users can communicate using emoticons, or simple "smilies" that visually depict simple emotions.
    • While emoticons obviously do not convey the same range of mixed emotions as a human face, it is clear that participants in virtual worlds are innovating with language and images to develop new forms of communication.

  • E-mail Sins and Salvation

    • Likewise, even with "emoticons" like ";-)" at your disposal, you'll have a hard time conveying the punch of a good joke as well in writing as you could by tone of voice and facial expression.