Emoticons

When we speak to people face-to-face, body language is a large part of the message that's conveyed to the other party. We shrug our shoulders to signify we don't know or smile when we are happy.

Emoticons, which are symbols that resemble faces turned on their side, help us express emotion in email. They add personality and zip to what might otherwise be dull messages. Some of the more popular emoticons are:

:) Happy
:( Sad
:-o Surprised
:-@ Screaming
:-I Indifferent
>:-< Mad
:-D Laughing
;o) Wink
:o8 Tongue tied
:o\ Skeptical
:oP Stickin' Your Tongue Out