Sorry for the necropost.
Dean wrote:
an emoticon only ensures that ambiguous comments are interpreted correctly. |
Yes, that is what it means, why do you have a problem with that? Sarcasm sometimes requires ambiguity. I accept your point that it doesn't diminish a deliberately offensive comment, but I don't think that means it has no meaning.
What I meant was - what does a sticky-out tongue actually mean? - really - what does it really mean? In the UK it is a sign of insolence and rudeness, not a "Get Out Of Jail Free" card for a rude comment. |
You're not in the UK, you're on the internet. ;-)
However, while I cannot claim perfection, I do strive to refrain from making such posts myself since I am aware that some of the things I type through the tears of laughter are not always interpreted exactly as I typed them |
But how is it your fault or even your problem if someone misinterprets what you said, despite your best efforts to make sure it is interpreted correctly?