What does smiley mean?
The smiley is a facial expression that is widely recognized and used to convey a range of emotions, from happiness and friendliness to amusement and playfulness. It is often used in informal settings, such as in text messages, social media, and everyday conversations. The smiley can be used to add a lighthearted or humorous tone to a message, or to simply express a positive emotion. In some cultures, the smiley is also used as a way to show respect or politeness. Overall, the smiley is a versatile and widely used facial expression that can be used in a variety of contexts.
nounA facial expression characterized by a curved smile on the face, often used to convey happiness, friendliness, or amusement.
- 1. A facial expression characterized by a curved smile on the face.
"She smiled at me and said hello, showing a big smiley on her face."
"She smiled at me and said hello, showing a big smiley on her face."
"He sent me a text message with a smiley face to brighten up my day."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of smiley
The word 'smiley' is derived from the word 'smile', which is thought to have originated in the 14th century. The term 'smiley' itself is a relatively recent development, dating back to the 1960s when it was used to describe the facial expression in a playful or humorous way.
Usage notes
The smiley is often used in informal settings, such as in text messages, social media, and everyday conversations. It can be used to add a lighthearted or humorous tone to a message, or to simply express a positive emotion. In some cultures, the smiley is also used as a way to show respect or politeness.