;(

“What is that symbol in the title? Is it a winking frown???” is what I’m positive you just asked yourself. Well, to answer your question, yes it is. The winking frown is not the first computer-face (“emoticon,” I know, I just think that’s a really shitty word) I’ve invented, but it’s definitely the best. Like your other, more common computer-faces, there are tons of great situations in which to use the winking frown. For example, it’s the best way to communicate the feeling of, “I’m sad, or am I?”

Observe:

Arlene: What happened with you and Tammy???

Dave: We broke up

Arlene: Oh no!!

Dave: ;(

Conversation over. Arlene is now on her way to the newly single Dave’s house. And that’s just one great use! You can also use it to say, “I’m sad and no, my eye has not stopped twitching,” “I was sleeping, but thanks to your text, yes, I'm awake,” or even, “I think you’re cute but, just a heads up, I’m severely depressed.” These aren't hypotheticals either. At various times I've used the winking frown to communicate all those messages and more.

If nothing else, it’s a much better face than :$. What does :$ even mean? You talk about money too much? I guess that might be useful if you have a friend who constantly won't stop talking about how much money he or she has. All I’m trying to say is, here’s the winking frown, thank me later.