Symbols and symbolization electronically keyed by keyboard or keypad. Initially begun as digital facial expressions on digital devices. Primarily used to express an emotion. Example: denotes sad; ?? happy; People emphasize how they are feeling instead of writing / typing the feeling. Email, and both instant and text messaging are where emoticons are most heavily used . Currently a mainstay in the digital arena. Online collections or libraries of emoticons exist, as well as books on the subject. Microsoft has now engaged a keystroke- interpreter in their Microsoft Office products, such as Word and Outlook, to display a type print character illustrated facial expression when a user types in the corresponding sequence of symbols.
Black’s Law Online Dictionary
