Rolleyes Emoticon: Is the Picture Misleading?

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The discussion centers on the rolleyes emoticon, which some users feel is misleading due to its smiling appearance, contrasting with the condescending nature of the gesture it represents. Participants express confusion over which emoticon to use in different contexts, as the rolleyes icon can be interpreted as lighthearted rather than dismissive. Suggestions include changing the associated text to clarify intent and exploring alternative emoticons that better convey the desired emotions. There is also a debate about the effectiveness and usage of other emoticons, such as the tongue-out icon, which some find less expressive. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of clear communication through emoticons in online interactions.
DaveC426913
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OK, flame me for making such a frivolous request.

I have issue with the rolleyes emoticon :rolleyes:

IMO, the picture doesn't match the text, resulting in an ambiguous message. Rolling eyes is a conscending, dismissive gesture. The rolleyes icon OTOH is smiling which to me makes it look more like a "tee-hee just kidding" face.

Frankly, I think the uhh icon :rolleyes: is actually more representative of the rolleyes sentiment.

I often hum and haw about which to use because one can't always know which form of the icon (text or graphic) the recipient will be reading (and I have lots of time on my hands).

This has actually gotten me in trouble recently when I meant something lighthearted and it was interpreted as condescension.

What if it were changed slightly?
 
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Ok since you brought it up...togue2 :-p really shows the togue and conveys the emotion of...what would it be, raspberry? It's a good emoticon, and is used often.

But tongue :-p doesn't even really show the tongue! What emotion does that convey? It has to be the least used emoticon on PF.

Sorry for the hijack :redface: (an appropriate emoticon, IMO :smile: (also appropriate (OK I have to stop nesting now))).
 
DaveC426913 said:
OK, flame me for making such a frivolous request.

I have issue with the rolleyes emoticon :rolleyes:

IMO, the picture doesn't match the text, resulting in an ambiguous message. Rolling eyes is a conscending, dismissive gesture. The rolleyes icon OTOH is smiling which to me makes it look more like a "tee-hee just kidding" face.
Yes, we have a friendly eyeroll here. I think of it more as a "how silly!" smiley. I don't think we need a real rolling eyes smiley because I can't imagine a context where it wouldn't be offensive and against forum guidelines.

Frankly, I think the uhh icon :rolleyes: is actually more representative of the rolleyes sentiment.
Nah, that one seems sarcastic, not condescending.
What if it were changed slightly?
Greg knows better than to face the mutiny that would follow changing our smilies. Maybe he can add one if you can find one that's suitable.

lisab said:
Ok since you brought it up...togue2 :-p really shows the togue and conveys the emotion of...what would it be, raspberry? It's a good emoticon, and is used often.
Nah, I always think that little fella is saying something like, "Hubba hubba," or "Yum!" or just being wacky.

But tongue :-p doesn't even really show the tongue! What emotion does that convey? It has to be the least used emoticon on PF.
It's saying "Neener neener" or "Nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah!"

:biggrin:

Where's Tiny Tim? He should be weighing in on smilies as one of the most prolific users of them. :wink:

Edit:
Just for a little more clarification on who the characters are, see post #8 in this thread:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=43925

:smile: It's still one of my favorites.
 
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DaveC426913 said:
I have issue with the rolleyes emoticon :rolleyes:

IMO, the picture doesn't match the text, resulting in an ambiguous message. Rolling eyes is a conscending, dismissive gesture. The rolleyes icon OTOH is smiling which to me makes it look more like a "tee-hee just kidding" face.

I wonder if the word(s) associated with the emoticon could be changed to :justkidding: so then people couldn't misconstrue the use of the emoticon's intent? I mean, if we're not rolling eyes at one another, should the emoticon say we are? :wink:

Spoken as someone who accidentally misunderstood the intent of the "rolleyes" emoticon.
 
GeorginaS said:
Spoken as someone who accidentally misunderstood the intent of the "rolleyes" emoticon.
:blushing:
 
lisab said:
But tongue :-p doesn't even really show the tongue! What emotion does that convey? It has to be the least used emoticon on PF.
The last panel of this comic demonstrates what that emoticon conveys.
 
DaveC426913 said:
Let's not get caught with our pants down again!

Let's not have an emoticon for that!
 
DaveC426913 said:
I have issue with the rolleyes emoticon :rolleyes:

I think it's everything a rolleyes emoticon should be. I don't know about others, but I use this when I'm being sarcastic. So, yeah, great thread :rolleyes: (:wink:)
 
Would you care for the buffet of smilies from these sites?

rolleye0003.gif

http://www.planetsmilies.com/

chickendance.gif

http://www.myemoticons.com/
 
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  • #10
Another thing that might help: the textual descriptions next to the emoticons might as well be the actual text for creating them.

For example:
Next to :smile: it actually says "Laughing". Why wouldn't it more usefully say ": rofl :"?
 

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