This page shows an overview of the most common basic emoticons. With these basic smilies everything started and changed to the animated emoticons as we all know them today. If you are interested to read a short history about the emoticons, just go to this page.

Some chatrooms still use the emoticons and do not translate the emoticons to images. You can also still use these basic emoticons for your e-mail.

:-)	Standard Smiley (you are joking; satisfied)
:)	Standard Smiley for lazy people
,-)	Winking Smiley. You don't mean it, even if you are joking
;-)	Winking Smiley. See above
:->	Follows a really sarcastic remark
(-:	Left handed Smiley
:-(	Sad Smiley. You aren't joking; You are not satisfied
:<	Very Sad Smiley.
:C	Very Sad Smiley
:-*	Kissing Smiley