An emoticon is a symbol or combination of symbols used to convey emotional content in written or message form. The word is a portmanteau of the English words emotion (or emote) and icon. In web forums, instant messengers and online games, text emoticons are often automatically replaced with small corresponding images, which came to be called emoticons as well.
In web forums, instant messengers and online games, text emoticons are often automatically replaced with small corresponding images, which came to be called “Emoticons”. Similarly, in some versions of Microsoft Word, the Auto Correct feature replaces basic smileys such as 
and 
with a single smiley-like character.
Originally, these image emoticons were fairly simple and replaced only the most straightforward and common character sequences, but over time they became so complex that the more specialized emoticons are often input using a menu or popup windows, sometimes listing hundreds of items. Iconos gestuales
Emoticons have also expanded beyond simple cartoon facial expressions to a variety of still or moving images. Some of these graphical emoticons do not actually represent faces or emotions; for example, an “emoticon” showing a guitar might be used to represent music. Further, some instant messaging software is designed to play a sound upon receiving certain emoticons. (Hidden emoticon)
Many applications use text codes, which become replaced with a graphical emoticon. For example, :dance: or (dance) could be replaced with a graphical dancing emoticon.
Traditionally, the emoticon in Western style is written from left to right, the way one reads and writes in most Western cultures. Thus, most commonly, emoticons have the eyes on the left, followed by the nose and mouth. To more easily recognize them, tilt your head toward your left shoulder (or occasionally toward your right shoulder if the “top” of the emoticon is toward the right).
