Entry Types on Cyber Definitions
Icons, Abbreviations, Acronyms, Internet Slang Terms, and Neologisms
Cyber Definitions is a library with over 10,000 entries. The main aim of Cyber Definitions is to help you navigate – and keep up with – the new terms that have been pouring into the English language since the start of the digital era, predominantly through texting fun and efficiencies.All the entries on Cyber Definitions can be placed into one of the following categories:
- Icons. This includes:
- text images
- emoticons
- emojis
- Abbreviations. This includes:
- initialism
- contractions
- Acronyms
- Slang Terms
- Numeronyms
- Neologisms
More...
Here is more information about each category:What Is an Icon?
Icon:
A representative symbol (i.e., a picture)(1) Text Image
A text image is a pictorial representation of something using only text. For example:- (_8_^_(I) (Homer Simpson)
- (^^^) (sharks)
- :(|) ( monkey)
(2) Emoticon
An emoticon is a pictorial representation of a face showing a specific emotion. For example:(3) Emoji
An emoji is a small digital image or icon used to express an idea or emotion. For example:- 😁 (angry face)
- 🧟 (zombie)
- 🎃 (jack-o-lantern)
What Is an Abbreviation?
An abbreviation is a shortened version of a written word or phrase. An abbreviation can usually be placed into one of two categories:(1) Initial Abbreviation (or Initialism)
Initial Abbreviation:
When one letter represents one word(2) Contraction
Contraction:
A shortened or compression version of a word or words- The shortening or compressing of a word: ABS (Absolutely), ACK (Acknowledge) (These are classic contractions.)
- The merging of two words into one: DOKE (Diet Coke), EDDRESS (E-mail Address) (These are also called portmanteau words.)
- The use of initial syllables from multiple words: ABFAB (Absolutely Fabulous), EMOTICON (Emotional Icon) (These are also called syllabic abbreviations.)
What Is an Acronym?
Acronym:
An abbreviation spoken like a word- GOMER (Unwelcome Patient (from "Get Out of My Emergency Room"))
- CAD (Computer Aided Design)
- LOL (Laughing Out Loud) (LOL is only an acronym when pronounced "loll", i.e., not when pronounced "Ell Oh Ell".)
What Is an Internet Slang Term?
Internet Slang Term:
A term that is not an abbreviation or an icon, born of the digital eraWhat Is a Numeronym?
Numeronym:
Numbers that represent a word or a meaningWhat Is a Neologism?
Neologism:
A term newly born into the English language- CATFISH (Individual Who Creates a False Online Identity)
- OVERSHARING (Divulging Too Much Personal Information)
- BREEDER (Heterosexual Person)
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