The meaning of =P

[Mave]

Hi everyone,

I just want to double-check the meaning of the stick-out-the-tongue smilie. When someone sticks out their tongue at someone, what does it mean to you?

You see, generally, I see it as a rude and immature gesture. Think of it as a bratty kid who's sticking out their tongue at authority, something like a "Nyah nyah nyah can't catch me!" As a result, I get pretty infuriated whenever I see a smilie like that especially when younger members do that.

However, I noticed that CAA members (even those I know pretty well) use it pretty freely. I've tried to ignore it a few times now but I'm starting to wonder that maybe it's just a gesture of playfulness to some of you and no one really means any disrespect with it.

Anyone care to clarify this? Sorry, if this seems like a small thing to some of you, but I've been getting annoyed often enough by it that I really ought to clear this up.

[Debitt]

^_^; Ah, I never mean any harm by it. I use it when I'm being joking or sarcastic, usually.

[Mangafanatic]

Yeah, I usually use it when I'm razzing someone. To me it's sort of suppose to mean "I was teasing you, but you know it's because I love you."

[Lyren]

Yeah. Whenever I see it used, I usually assume it shows playfulness or lighthearted sarcasm. That's how I use it anyway.

[Michael]

There is no meaning in anything. Life is but a collection of perceptions. I hope that helps.


But seriously, I think it sometimes is used as a shield for nasty comments. For instance:

Person A: i think linkin park is cool.

Person B: well you stink . . . . . . j/k =p

At least, that and the 'j/k' help to shield it. I never use smilies myself. I figure if I can't make my meaning understood by words alone, then I'm not doing something right. But that's just me.

[Sakura15]

[quote="Kokoro Daisuke"]^_^]

Ditto ^_^;

[Zilch]

Yeah, 'tis a lighthearted gesture.

[SigmaKnight]

Usually it means something along the lines of "I'm teasing" or "thats just silly"

ex:

person 1: I was walking along today and as i turned a corner i didn't notice a pole and i walked straight in to it... XD

person 2: XP

(XP in this example can be replaced with =P or : P or any variation, I just happen to like XP the most >.>;; )


I suppose though that the context that its used in could change the meaning of it though. ^.^;;

[cbwing0]

I always use the =P to mean "I'm joking." I just like to let people know, since some people lack a real sense of humor .

[Mr. SmartyPants]

I use it playfully, and to distinguish wether something semi-insulting is just a joke

[mitsuki lover]

I think that is meant mostly for the fun of razzing or teasing someone,no
serious intent meant.

[Ingemar]

Hmm... I use it mainly insolently.

[That Dude]

I usually use it to show that I want to lick somebody...Seriously though, as others have said they mainly use it in a lovingly teasing way. And in some cultures such as certian American Indian tribes they actually use (used in the past) that as a way to point because they thought that pointing fingers at people was rude.

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

I only use it occasionally and when I do its only for the purpose of showing the previous comment/sentence etc was "tongue in cheek." Not for offensive purposes at all.

[Hephzibah]

I use or XP to be playful; but if I see it IRL, esp from kids, I get really annoyed because like Mave I see it as a form of disrespect. Also, calling adults by their first names?! Does anyone else seem to find this disrespectful? When I was young, I always called adults by their last names (eg Mr Smith)

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

Oh, in real life I find it disrespectful, I thought this was about online activity. My bad.

[Hephzibah]

No no its fine; I just wanted to chuck in my 2 cents worth about RL

Edit: lol! I used the tongue picture without even thinking XD How silly

[LightUpTheDark]

You know, I don't think I've ever used on here.

But I could be wrong.

Online here, I don't really think too much about it, but in real life, yeah, it's disrespectful. The only exception I make in real life is when my friend sticks her tongue out at me...but that's another story...

[Falcon]

In real life it is irespectful, I think. Also calling adults by there first name. On line Is ee it as silly and imature. emticons show the emtion you want to show online. Would you normally stick your tounge out at people? Is that the way you normally communicate? I am sure there are other icons more suitable. But for those that poke tongues at each other then I guess this ones for you.

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

Please calm down. Most just use it for light hearted fun. Not to be disrespectful. I also agree kids and teenagers should refer to adults by their surname, although if the adult is fine with it I don't see a problem. For example: I would find it weird if the kids in my youth group called me Mr Jaeschke and not Christian.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

i call some adults by their first name, but stick a "Mr." or a "Mrs." Before it

ie "Mrs. Betty" or "Mr. Mike"

[Alice]

Oh, I see.

To me it is a gesture sort of like scrunching your nose. That's how I use it. Sort of to be cute, and sort of to be funny or disagree with someone in a light-hearted manner so they know I'm not really annoyed.

EDIT: Possily because I do this in real life, scrunch up my nose and stick my tongue out a tiny bit when I'm joking and disagreeing slightly with my brothers or someone I know well.

The icon that worries me is because it actually looks evil. I prefer >:D because it looks sort of nasty, but not pure evil.

Strange how it means different things to different people. I think sometimes I use emoticons on chatrooms incorrectly. I think I know what they mean but sometimes I'm wrong.

[Yojimbo]

I use it in a sarcastic, joking, sort of manner. And I use it all the time.

Oops there it goes.

[Mithrandir]

I was really tempted to respond to you with, "I've never used it, so there! "

[lionheart]

I mostly use it as a good natured-ness smiley, or to indicate a slight jest.
I never would have guessed that people could consider it to be impolite...

[FadedOne]

variationns on are the smiley I use most of all. I'm both very sarcastic and teasing sometimes, so I use it to take the edge off my words and show people I mean them no harm. lol...I do it in person too honestly. it's just a fun expression when not used disrespectfully.

[GhostPoet]

I probably don't need to comment..but I use it alot, so I guess I should.

I generally means silly/joking face.

[Fsiphskilm]

:p: =

[Mave]

Glad to hear that everyone doesn't necessarily mean to be offensive with such a smilie. It goes to show how easily miscommunication can occur with a little gif file.

But seriously, I think it sometimes is used as a shield for nasty comments.

"Just joking" as a shield/excuse for nasty comments really drive me up the wall as well. <.< >.>;;

[Arbre]

It's a playful expression for me. It's to show I'm joking or lightly teasing or just being a bit random/weird.

No disrespect is intended at all. Just used to lighten a mood and safeguard that a phrase can't be taken in a negative way.

If I'm joking with a close friend over IMs, it also softens what could be incorrectly read as a jibe when it's really only a tease. The same as a smile =) can, really. It's just mixed with silliness. And if I'm not in a smiling mood, I'll usually just be typing jokes with that face instead of a true smile. Hide how I'm feeling and all that...

Like someone else kinda said earlier, it's can also go along with the "I'm teasing you, but you know I love you" intent.