Internet Usage
On the Internet, a colon, or multiple colons, is sometimes used to denote an action or to emote. In this use it has the inverse function of quotation marks, denoting actions where unmarked text is assumed to be dialogue. For example:
- Tom: Pluto is so small; it should not be considered a planet. It is tiny!
- Mark: Oh really? ::Drops Pluto on Tom’s head:: Still think it’s small now?
Colons may also be used for sounds, e.g. ::Click::, though sounds can also be denoted by an asterisk or other punctuation marks.
Colons are also used to represent two vertically aligned eyes in some emoticons (such as :) or :-) for a smiling face), particularly in Western (English-speaking) cultures.
Read more about this topic: Colon (punctuation)
Famous quotes containing the word usage:
“Girls who put out are tramps. Girls who don’t are ladies. This is, however, a rather archaic usage of the word. Should one of you boys happen upon a girl who doesn’t put out, do not jump to the conclusion that you have found a lady. What you have probably found is a lesbian.”
—Fran Lebowitz (b. 1951)