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Emoticons

What is emoticons?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

Definition Symbol formed by keyboard signs that represents a facial expression and is used in electronic messages to express mood or tone[1]
Word formation From English 'emoticon' = emotion + icon[2]
Plural emoticonos[2]
Spanish usage note Used mainly in Spain (U. m. en Esp.)[1]

Emoticons are symbols made from keyboard characters that represent facial expressions and are used in electronic messages to express the sender’s mood or the tone of the message.

Context

Emoticons are symbols made from keyboard characters that represent facial expressions and are used in electronic messages to express the sender’s mood or the tone of the message [1]. The word is formed from 'emotion' and 'icon' [2]. In Spanish, the RAE notes the term is used mainly in Spain and also treats 'emoticono' as a synonym of 'emoji' [1].

Documented claims

  • Emoticons are symbols made from keyboard characters that represent facial expressions and are used in electronic messages to express the sender’s mood or the tone of the message. [1]
  • In Spanish usage, the RAE also treats 'emoticono' as a synonym of 'emoji'. [1]
  • The term 'emoticon' comes from the combination of 'emotion' and 'icon'. [2]

Questions and answers

What does the term 'emoticon' mean?

It is a symbol formed by keyboard signs that represents a facial expression and is used in electronic messages to express mood or tone [1].

How is the word 'emoticon' formed?

It comes from the combination of 'emotion' and 'icon' [2].

Is 'emoticon' the same as 'emoji'?

In Spanish usage, the RAE treats 'emoticono' as a synonym of 'emoji' [1].

Sources

  1. emoticono | Definición - Diccionario de la lengua española — dle.rae.es (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. ¿Qué es un Emoticono? - Ryte Digital Marketing Wiki — es.ryte.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Language