The complete list of abbreviations is almost endless, and some are extremely rare and obscure. These are used when you want to do something graphic but have to tell the other person in text. The action can be anything, from the simplest to the most complicated. A good example of this is the 'geek code' - a shorthand system developed by computer professionals to let other computer professionals know about their interests, likes, dislikes, romantic status, and so on. Cliches These are often used ironically by experienced net users.
Many cliches are specific to a newsgroup or mailing list.
Smileys Also known as emoticons, these are used to add expression to text. Without them it's easy to misread people's intentions and to misunderstand when they are, or perhaps aren't, trying to be funny. To understand how smileys work, turn them to the right through 90 degrees. Not everyone uses smileys - some net inhabitants think mail and postings should be clear enough to make the meaning plain without them. However, for better or worse they have become an on-line institution.