What are hidden emoticons and smileys?
Hidden emoticons or smileys are those icons which generally can’t be found in the official emoticon menu of the instant messaging program that you are using, even though they’re standard and official smileys. Because they are not visible in the menus, they are often called “hidden” or “secret” emoticons. In order to send them across, you have to directly type the relevant keyboard shortcut (emoticon codes) into your instant messenger chat window and send your message. Once you type the secret code you will see the hidden emoticon or smiley appear, and your IM buddy will also receive the hidden smiley you entered. For example, if you type (brb) in an MSN/Live Messenger chat (BRB is an acronym for “be right back”), this hidden smiley will appear .
