Internet Shorthand is for expressing emotions or just to keep from typing things repetitively.

MAKING FACES - ne: Smiley's

If you're new to the Internet, you may be wondering what all those sideways symbols mean. Here is a listing of the most common ones (also called 'emoticons') along with their common meaning.

:-) Smiling

:-D Laughing

:-/ Scowling

:-O Surprise, Shock

>:-( Angry

:-( Unhappy

:-p Sticking out your tongue

;-) Winking

And a favorite of mine, and Lisa Devlin's (racer friend)

>:) This one happens when a reply winds up quoting my smiley. I think it's an evil Joker type of thing :)

There are many more Smiley's out there, and if you feel like it, mail me your suggestions or variations.

From a friend....

We all know those cute little computer symbols called "emoticons," where :) means a smile and :( is a frown. Sometimes these are represented by :-) and :-( respectively.

Well, how about some "ass icons"?

(_!_) a regular ass

(__!__) a fat ass

(!) a tight ass

(_._) a flat ass

(_^_) a bubble ass

(_*_) a sore ass

(_!__) a lop-sided ass

{_!_} a swishy ass

(_o_) an ass that's been around

(_O_) an ass that's been around even more

(_x_) kiss my ass

(_X_) leave my ass alone

(_zzz_) a tired ass

(_o^o_) a wise ass

(_13_) an unlucky ass

Here are shorthand/abbreviations commonly used on the Internet also.

AFAIK As far as I know

BTW By the way

HTH Hope this helps

IMHO In my humble opinion

IMNSHO In my not so humble opinion

IMO In my opinion

YMMV Your mileage may vary

IOW In other words

LOL Laughing out loud

ROTFL Rolling on the floor laughing

LOLROF Laughing out loud, Rolling on floor

BRAHAHAHA This one's mine, means riotous laughter!

{g} Grin

{BG} Big grin