emoticon

Definition

A graphical representation of a particular emotion of the writer, used especially in SMS, email, or other electronic communication.

Etymology

Blend of emotion + icon. Unrelated to emoji.

Example Sentences

• "A remark intended humorously is often indicated by the letter G in parentheses, for "grin," or by a sideways happy face built from punctuation marks. Such symbols are known as emoticons."
• "In a 4 by 2 experimental procedure, :) ;) :( or no emoticon were inserted alternately in simulated e-mail message mock-ups"
• "The range of interpretations was surprising broad, for instance the emoticon (-.-) had 16 possible interpretations"