Young Americans

I think emoticons are meant maily for text messages in which a person needs to quickly make a statement and texting clear prose isn't as feasible. These symbols are also used in e-mails when the e-mail has a relaxed tone and is written more in the way a person may speak versus write. Since many of our emotional cues are given thorugh facial expression and voice inflection, it is sometimes hard to read a person's tone in an e-mail. If I want to make a sarcastic joke, for example, it has more of a punch if it isn't followed up by a wordy explanation. Instead of saying, "I'm sure that Chrissy's party will be completely boring as usual.", I could just say "I'm sure Chrissy's party will be a blast..lol."

I agree, however, that formal writing should stay formal by avoiding these types of symbols. I have yet to read a novel that uses emoticons and I doubt I would want to. Similiarly, I doubt students will ever be allowed to hand in an essay using such shortcuts. At least I hope not! When people use emoticons they aren't really "writing" they are talking via written channels.

On the flip side, some teens now look down upon people who use abbreviated forms of language. I'm 17, and I see no real reason for someone to type entirely in "textspeak". However, I've been known to throw in an emoticon occasionally (INBD?). I think we all recognize that slang words are unintelligent, but (for me) sometimes it's too convenient to not use. It is certainly not appropriate in formal writing.

@Becky - I've seen a novel where the entire thing is a series of emails/text messages between tween girls, and there are enough LOL's to last anyone a lifetime. I guess the reality is that 12 and 13 year olds can no longer relate to communication without emoticons.

Think of emoticons as stand-ins for the facial expressions and physical gestures... the shrug, the wink, air quotes... that modify the meaning of spoken words.

Maybe you should distinguish in your post between emoticons and abbreviations such as LOL, ROTFL, LMAO, BRB, IGG, WTF and FTW. I suspect they might belong to different categories. ;-)

In the title of your post you should say, "This Nip IS a Bite." The smile negates it, by indicating your sarcasm... right?

;-)

:-P

=0

:-/

!!!!???

Don't be a hater!