A smiley, also known as an emoticon, is a modern writing invention that we use to express feeling or emotion in a text or online message. Smileys are usually a set of special characters that, when tilted on their side, feature a certain expression or appearance.

For example, if you want to express a feeling of joy or happiness with your message, you attach the :-) smiley. You’ll notice that when tilted, these characters resemble a smiling face, hence the term “smiley”. :-) is one of the most popular emoticons around. Other common smileys include :-( (sad), :-S (worried or nervous), :-P (tongue out) and :-D (grinning).

The use of smileys has become so common that a single-character smiley symbol,☺, is now available in many word processing programs like Microsoft Word and Open Office.

The phenomenon of smileys, however, is not without its quirks. The inventive use of emoticons was then followed by inventive people who created their own versions of smileys that, if not funny or outrageous, are just plain weird. This article lists some of the weirdest smileys found on the Web. Included with each emoticon is a brief description of the emoticon and a way to use it. We hope that by the time you finish reading this, you’ll be able to put these weird smileys into good use - or will at least have an idea of which ones to avoid.

10. (-:

Smiley name: The Left-handed smiley

Description: This smiley is not weird in itself, but it’s a little unusual to use this one when a more popular mirror version is available. The left-handed smiley is often associated with hippies, leftist groups, and other counterculture, but can be used by anyone who just wants to act different.

Use it when: You’re left-handed, or feeling radical lately.

9. K:P

Smiley name: Propeller beanie kid

Description: This smiley resembles a child sticking his tongue out (the characters :P) while sporting a beanie hat with a propeller on top (the letter K). Great for kids and weird kids-at-heart.

Use it when: Insulting someone’s child-like mannerisms.

8. *<:-)

Smiley name: Santa hat smiley

Description: Even good ol’ Santa himself can’t avoid a double take on this one. By placing an asterisk followed by a “less than” sign, you create a Santa hat in an otherwise ordinary emoticon. Frequently used during the holiday season, it reflects the people’s festive mood and need to party and celebrate.

Use it when: Celebrating the Yuletide season. It may be awkward in other times of the year.

7. <:-I

Smiley name: Dunce

Description: The dunce hat is a classic way of punishing a child who’s a little slow academically. The child will be forced to sit on an isolated chair while wearing a pointed hat with the words “dunce” written on it. This is a type of punishment through shame. The smiley uses the letter “I” instead of a “)” to represent the mouth, indicating the child is not too happy with his or her position, and it adds a chubby effect to the smiley.

Use it when: Talking to someone hopelessly deserving to be called one.

6. -:-(

Smiley name: Punk rocker rulez

Description: This smiley is the perfect emoticon for punk rockers. The “-” sign represents a Mohawk hairstyle, which is common among punks. The smiley is also frowning, suggesting that punks don’t smile at all. This emoticon is also appropriate for grouchy and irritable people.

Use it when: You’re irritated with your goody-two-shoes chatmate.

5. %-)

Smiley name: Staring at a green screen for hours

Description: The “%” sign clearly indicates that the person is either too mesmerized with what he or she is seeing, or is already out of his mind. But the “)” sign indicates he or she is still happy and content. Perfect for computer addicts who spend a lot of their time surfing but not really seeing anything at all.

Use it when: You’ve been staring at a blank screen for hours, but are still enjoying it.

4. +-:-)

Smiley name: The holy smiley

Description: A smiley with a Christian twist. This smiley humorously indicates that a holy person has just entered the chatroom. Also used by people who just feel they’ve been enlightened.

Use it when: You’ve recently experienced a virtual epiphany, revelation, or enlightenment. Use it also to make others look sinful.

3. %-6

Smiley name: The user is braindead.

Description: Here is a smiley to end all smileys; also used to end all conversations. The “%” sign indicates the same meaning as that of smiley no.5, while the “6” represents the tongue lying out, a sign of a comatose person. When someone uses this emoticon, it means that they’re either exhausted of all the chatting, or they’re exhausted of you. This kind of smiley is not used often, and those who do use this smiley usually don’t reply anymore. This is definitely one of the weirdest ways to end an online conversation.

Use it when: You want to end a conversation abruptly.

2. }:^#))

Smiley name: An updrafted mustached smiley with a pointed nose and a double chin

Description: This smiley is one of the “mega smileys” circulating around the Internet, which is a result of testing how many symbols people can squeeze in to create a single smiley. To explain the smiley thoroughly:

“}” equals the updrafted hair;

“:” for the eyes;

“^” indicate a pointed nose;

“#” is the bushy mustache;

“))” represents a double chin.

The reading of this smiley also results in an irate gesture by the reader trying to figure out what the symbols mean.

Use it when: You’re an updrafted mustached person with a pointed nose and a double chin.

1. C= 2>;*{))

Smiley name: A drunk, devilish chef sporting an updrafted toupee, with a double chin and Chaplin mustache

Description: This smiley just beat the one in number 2 by literally a swoosh. The Internet smiley meisters have really done it this time, creating a pretty extensive (but very absurd) mega smiley. Again, to thoroughly explain the smiley:

“C=” signifies a chef hat, so the smiley is a chef;

“2” is the updrafted toupee;

“>” means the chef is really angry or devilish;

“;” represents drunken or winking eyes;

“*” is the Chaplin-esque mustache

“{“ signifies that the smiley is frowning;

“))” represents a double chin.

Use it when: You are trying to showcase your smiley arsenal.

And there you have it folks: we have presented ten of the most bizarre emoticons found on the Net. Remember: smileys are your friends, so don’t abuse them. :-) :-) :-)

 

(Now if you think all the quirkiness, cuteness and sheer outlandishness the Internet has to offer is limited to smileys, you have another thing coming! If you’re into all things odd and unnatural view the Top Ten Weird Websites or if you want informative, entertaining and useful websites then visit the Most Useful Websites for Information and Entertainment.)