Quincy Center for Technical Education
Computer Technology Department

Common E-Mail Terms




     There are several interesting ways to convey emotions and gestures in e-mail messages. One that I find rather fun to use is Smileys! Smileys are called emoticons. They represent human faces if you turn them sideways. Here are a few of the most commonly used.

Smileys
GestureCharacters
Cry :'-(
Smile :-)
Laugh :-D
Frown :-(
Surprise :-O
Wink ;-)
Santa Claus *<|:-)


Abbreviations: Abbreviations are commonly used in messages to save time typing. Most often to someone you know very well. Here are a some samples of abbreviations.

AbbreviationMeaningAbbreviationMeaning
BTWby the wayL8Rlater
FAQfrequently asked questionsLOLlaughing out loud
FOAFfriend of a friendMOTASmember of the appropriate sex
FWIWfor what its's worthMOTOSmember of the opposite sex
FYIfor your informationMOTSSmember of the same sex
IMHOin my humble opinionROTFLrolling on the floor laughing
IMOin my opinionSOsignificant other
IOWin other wordsWRTwith respect to


Flame: A flame is an angry or insulting message directed at one person. A flamewar is an argument that continues for a while. Avoid starting or participating in flamewars.

Shouting: AMESSAGE WRITTEN IN CAPITAL LETTERS IS ANNOYING AND HARD TO READ. THIS IS CALLED SHOUTING. Always use upper and lower case letters when typing messages.

Bounced Message: A bounced message is a message that returns to you because it cannot reach its destination. A message usually bounces because of typing mistakes in the e-mail address. Before sending a message, check for typing errors.