Emoticons have assumed great power in the digital age. A relationship could shatter if you forget to use a smiley face at the end of your sentence.
However, shorthand symbols of feeling didn't come with the internet. Turns out that these icons have been used to depict emotions for centuries: the earliest emoticon dates back to 1648? In 1887, an essayist thought he could revolutionise punctuation by depicting emotions with what he called the "snigger point".
Here's a look into the history of the smiley and other graphic symbols.
However, shorthand symbols of feeling didn't come with the internet. Turns out that these icons have been used to depict emotions for centuries: the earliest emoticon dates back to 1648? In 1887, an essayist thought he could revolutionise punctuation by depicting emotions with what he called the "snigger point".
Here's a look into the history of the smiley and other graphic symbols.
Buy an annual Scroll Membership to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!