November 8, 200520 yr Ok, so we are all familiar with the emoticon of 'Thumbs Up'....But does anyone ever get the impression that this graphic is used more for sarcasm than for genuine congratulations or appreciation? The culprit: :thumbup While this seemingly innocent smilie face stares one-eyed into your monitor, he carries a certain 'snobbiness' about him--almost as if he is mocking your very existence. Even though he is sometimes used for goodly purposes, most of the time he is the victim of hypocrisy and irony itself! Example of goodly use: LeftyPower: Hey, I just got back from the Dolphins game and it was an amazing experience. We had great seats and it was very fun! Miri: That is awesome for you! I went with Maxx as well, and we enjoyed it a lot! :thumbup Notice the innocence accompanied by the text--both from the speaker and the context of the statement. Everyone, even the most biased of posters, can see the honesty and purity of the 'Thumbs Up' emoticon in this instance. Bravo, Miri. Then, of course, you have the seldomly used intermediate smilie. Our friend Thumby is used in a dual role--as both a source of compliment and mockery at the same time. Example of intermediate use: LeftyPower: Did you see LOST today? I thought it was a great episode, and I can't wait until next week! Who's with me!? Passion: :thumbup The double meaning is subtle in this example. It isn't clear whether Passion is agreeing with me through use of Thumby, or if he is sarcastically implying that he doesn't care. It's a toss-up, and the exact meaning of Passion's reply is known only to one person--Gooch himself. Lastly, we come to the dreadful sinister smilie. When such beligerent use of Thumby brings harm and embarrassment to the initial poster, this vile act is displayed. The intent by using evil Thumby is to expose the poster as an idiot, and showcase their stupidity to the viewers of the forum. Very few members at mb sink to such tactics, but there are a select few. Example of sinister use: LeftyPower: Apparently, the hurricane is going to hook a left and slam into the Yucatan, or maybe along the Texan border. Winds should increase drastically in the coming hours, and I bet the pressure bottoms out as well. Beinfest4Prez: The jet stream is going to come through tomorrow and essentially cut the storm in half. It shouldn't be more than a tropical wave by morning. :thumbup Bear with me while I wipe the tears from my pained face. Notice the lack of remorse in the tone of the statement--the finality that accompanied Thumby. Not only does such action make the defendant appear weak and clueless, but the blatant misuse of said emoticon should not be suffered. I feel that I have provided sufficient evidence as to call into question the exact purpose of Thumby. Is he a cheery fellow, meant to bring joy and satisfaction to the heart of his intended target? Or is he a sarcastic, deranged monster with a bloated ego and careless demeanor? With this as my testament, I therefore suggest the implementation of a second Thumby--perhaps we may call her Thumbilina--to bring a balance to the world of dual-meaning emoticons. The current smilie, Thumby, with his evil wink and menacing glare, shall be now and forever deemed 'sinister Thumby'. The innocent and pure new creation, Thumbilina, with both eyes open in a satisfactory expression and upright 'Thumbs Up' salutation, shall henceforth be deemed 'goodly Thumbilina'. This is all I have to say. Edit: After careful research, and a significant amount of testing/trial and error, I believe that I have devised a most ideal and fitting graphic for Thumbilina:
November 8, 200520 yr Holy frosted sh*t-wheats, that was hillarious. Good job my friend, and I think the same thing.
November 8, 200520 yr you know what i think about that...it was just :thumbup ...just :thumbup :lol no but seriously that was :lol :thumbup post of the year!
November 9, 200520 yr I just realized, after reading it this morning, that I am the most sinister. Sweet.
November 9, 200520 yr Author I just realized, after reading it this morning, that I am the most sinister. Sweet. Only when you're feeling meteorologically superior!
November 9, 200520 yr I just realized, after reading it this morning, that I am the most sinister. Sweet. Only when you're feeling meteorologically superior! :thumbup :mischief
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