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    Chat 
      Basics 
      Emoticons | Acronyms | 
       Avatars 
       
      Emoticons 
      The word "emoticon" is a combination of the words "emotion" 
      and "icon." They are shortcuts that add zest to the often flat 
      text of chat or instant messaging. They are used anywhere in sentences - 
      before, after, or within, and can also stand on their own. Here are some 
      of the more common emoticons: 
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    :-) smile 
      :-)) big smile (double chin) 
      :-D laughing 
      ;-) wink 
      :-( frown 
      :-/ smirk 
      :-P sticking tongue out 
      :-x kiss/my lips are sealed 
      :-0 surprise 
     | 8-| confused/concerned 
      !-( black eye 
      !-) proud of black eye 
      #:-0 shocked 
      %*} inebriated 
      >>:-<< furious 
      >:-( annoyed 
      >:) mischievous 
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      Acroynms 
      Acronyms abound in chat. Since chatting is so inherently text intensive, 
      it's understandable that chatters would find shortcuts for the most commonly 
      used phrases. Here's a list of common chat acronyms - it's the G-Rated version. 
      LOL Laughing Out Loud 
      ROFLOL Rolling On Floor Laughing Out Loud 
      TTYL Talk To You Later 
      TTFN Ta Ta For Now 
      BRB Be Right Back 
      AFK Away From Keyboard 
      TY Thank You 
      TYVM Thank You Very Much 
      YW You're Welcome 
      YVW You're Very Welcome 
      mhm not really an acronym - more of a sound effect 
      HB Hurry Back 
      WB Welcome Back 
      NVM Never Mind 
      GMTA Great Minds Think Alike 
      NP No Problem 
      IMO In My Opinion 
      IMHO In My Humble Opinion 
      IMNSHO In My Not So Humble Opinion 
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    Chat 
      Avatars 
       Avatar is one of those words that different sites use in different 
      ways. Some chats allow you to choose from a pre-defined set of icons that 
      are associated with your user name. The icon sits next to your chat name 
      or in your instant messaging windows. Other chats let you use a customizable 
      avatar that actually represents your persona graphically while chatting. 
      Some communities, such as there.com allow you to customize your avatar with 
      different clothing and physical attributes. Others, such as VPchat.com and 
      the Palace, let you create your own avatar. These chat avatars don't necessarily 
      look like people - they might be pictures or illustrations of animals or 
      places or just about anything you can think of. Each chat service has its 
      own specifications for creating custom avatars. 
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