The Emoticon Turns 25

Just when we were reeling at the thought of branded emoticons, along comes the 25th anniversary of the ubiquitous smiley face.

While we’re all thankful that those crazy “super-customized” emoticons have faded from view, people still use the smiley and frown icons all the time, everywhere from e-mail to IM to texting on phones.

Check out this AIM page for basic definitions, including AOL’s official explanation of the Frowning Smiley: “Seriously, duh.” We’ll have to leave it at that.

The Web smiley’s motto: Grin and bear it [CNET News]

Join Baratunde Thurston (left), The Onion’s Director of Digital and author of How to Be Black, for an entertaining look at creative social media campaigns in our Social Media Marketing Boot Camp starting February 16. Other speakers include Morin Oluwole (Facebook), Tim Devane (bitly), and SocialTimes' writer Devon Glenn.   Register now.