Smiley Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
smiley
[หsmaษชli ]
Definitions
emotion expression
A smiley is a simple representation of a smiling face, often used in digital communication to convey happiness or friendliness. It typically consists of two dots for eyes and a curved line for a mouth. Smiley faces can be displayed using typographic characters or as graphical images.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She sent me a smiley after our chat.
- He always adds a smiley at the end of his texts.
- The email had a smiley face at the bottom to lighten the mood.
- I love using smileys to express my feelings online.
graphic symbol
In the context of digital communication, a smiley is often a pictorial representation used in social media and messaging platforms to express various emotions. Beyond a simple smile, there are numerous variations representing different feelings like sadness or surprise.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She used a wink smiley to tease him.
- He prefers using animal smileys in his messages.
- The smiley with hearts signifies love.
- Different apps offer unique smiley designs.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- The smiley face icon was popularized by Harvey Ball in 1963 when he designed it for an insurance companyโs campaign.
- Since then, it has become a universal symbol for happiness and positivity, appearing on clothing, stickers, and digital messages.
Psychology
- Smiling, represented by smileys, can actually improve mood by triggering the release of dopamine and serotonin in the brain.
- Research shows that people can guess how someone feels by seeing just their smile, highlighting the power of nonverbal communication.
Technology
- With the advent of the internet and texting, smileys evolved into emojis, adding color and emotion to digital communication.
- The first digital smiley was created in 1982 by computer scientist Scott Fahlman to indicate humor in online messages.
Literature
- Smiley characters appear in various childrenโs books and stories, often embodying joy or mischievousness, making them relatable to young readers.
- In literary works, smiley faces can symbolize hope or a positive outlook in challenging narratives.
Origin of 'smiley'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'smiley' comes from 'smile,' which has Old English roots meaning 'to bend or curve.'
- It first appeared in print in the 1960s, referring to happy face illustrations used in pop culture.
The term 'smiley' originates from the word 'smile,' which can be traced back to Middle English 'smilen,' stemming from Old English 'smฤซlan,' which meant 'to smile, to laugh.' The modern usage of 'smiley' as a graphic or symbol began in the late 1960s, particularly with the creation of the iconic smiley face designed by Harvey Ball in 1963. This was a simple yellow circle with two black dots for eyes and a curved line for a mouth, meant to promote goodwill and happiness. The smiley face became a cultural icon and was widely adopted in advertising and popular culture throughout the 1970s and beyond. With the advent of digital communication, smileys evolved into emoticons and emojis, allowing for more nuanced emotional expression online.