smiley
Sign in to savethumb|Example of a smiley face thumb|An example of an emoticon smiley face (represented using a colon followed by a [[parenthesis) used in direct communication, as seen in this screenshot of an email]] thumb|A smiley emoji
AI overview
A smiley is a simple visual representation of a smiling face, typically made with typed characters like ":)" or displayed as a picture, used to convey friendliness or happiness in written communication. It matters because it helps people express emotions and tone in text-based messages where facial expressions and voice are absent, making digital conversations feel more personal and less misunderstood.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Article
19 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- History of smiling faces
- Early history
- Early to mid 20th century
- Harvey Ball design
- The Smiley Company
- Language and communication
- Symbolism in popular culture and applications
- United States advertising campaigns
- In print
- Music and film
- Physical products
- Art and fashion
- Gaming
- Events
- Social sciences
- Claim of ownership and trademark disputes
- See also
- References
thumb|Example of a smiley face thumb|An example of an emoticon smiley face (represented using a colon followed by a [[parenthesis) used in direct communication, as seen in this screenshot of an email]] thumb|A smiley emoji
A smiley, also known as a smiley face, is a basic ideogram representing a smiling face. Since the 1950s, it has become part of popular culture worldwide, used either as a standalone ideogram or as a form of communication, such as emoticons. The smiley began as two dots and a line representing eyes and a mouth. More elaborate designs emerged in the 1950s, featuring noses, eyebrows, and outlines. New York radio station WMCA used a yellow and black design for its "Good Guys!" campaign in the early 1960s. More yellow-and-black designs appeared in the 1960s and 1970s, including works by Harvey Ross Ball in 1963, and Franklin Loufrani in 1971. The Smiley Company, founded by Franklin Loufrani, claims to hold the rights to a version of the smiley face in over 100 countries. It has become one of the top 100 licensing companies globally.