Smileys represent the human face and all its possible expressions that correspond to our various moods. They have been around for decades, but the internet brought them real fame.
Online, smileys are a powerful way to transport emotions. The typographic smileys are generally known as emoticons. Placed with care and read with an eye for detail, they clarify the meaning of a statement and improve interpretation.
Meanwhile, chatters across the globe have developed a huge selection of emoticons and smileys on most instant messengers. If you always want to hit the right nerve and never pick the wrong expression, use our emoticon guide to popular codes for smiley faces.
Western Emoticons
Western emoticons are typically written from left to right. Here are 15 of the most popular ones.
1. Smile
: – ) or :-] or :3 or :> stands for happiness.
2. Grin
: – D expresses great happiness or a victory.
3. Frown
: – ( or :-c represents sadness or disappointment. The latter can also mean great sadness.
4. Wink
; – ) or ,-) or *-) indicates a joke or double entendre in what was said.
5. Tongue
: – P or : – p or :-b is an emoticon to tease, often used as a joke.
6. Open mouth
:-O or : – () stands for surprise or shock.
7. Distorted mouth
: – / means skepticism, being annoyed or uneasy.
