Definition:

An emoticon is a small graphic (picture) used to convey emotions in online discussions. Frequently known as “smilies,” emoticons grew out of the early days of the internet. Users began creating smiling faces, angry faces, roses and other designs out of basic keyboard symbols. As the Internet evolved, emoticons became more elaborate. Today, these full-color designs, blink, spin and dance and barely resemble their previous incarnations.

Examples: <i>Just for fun:<br> Smile :)<br> A rose ----‘----@<br> Surprise :-0<br> Anger >:-(<br>