While on a UK-based model airplane newsgroup I noticed that the number of emoticons used there is less than on the US equivalent ng. Is this an example of "British reserve," or is there another explanation for it?

Well, Asa, I am not British, but I suspect you are right on that. I have noticed that the English posters don't seem to use, or like, emoticons as much as Americans do. I realize that's a generalization, and maybe it's just the group that I've posted with.

In Wordcraft Junior the kids love to use emoticons. I wonder if there's any significance in that?

Probably!

I suspect kids always like them better. It may not be a cultural phenomenon then, but it is interesting to see some people who love emoticons, and others who hate them. I have to admit, though, that when I look at some of my old posts with lots of emoticons, I get a little embarrassed.

You don't like emoticons? Whyever not? They're fun, and colorful and they help distinguish what your mood is!

My suspicion is that it is partly an age thing, and partly a "formal" thing. Those of us who are more informal might use them more often than those folks who are more formal.

I prefer to use puntucation marks where I can. After all, isn't that one of their functions? Of course, sometimes more emphasis is needed, then, maybe, we can use an exclamation mark! Or maybe an anapodoton... and you can think of the rest...

Anapodoton? ANAPODOTON!? I developed a severe case of anaphoric anaptyctic anastrophism while trying to find that one in the dictionary. (Failed.)

See anapodoton.

quote:

Anapodoton? ANAPODOTON!?

And it is, of course, defined in OEDILF http://www.oedilf.com/db/Lim.php?Word=Anapodoton&button=Search

I get it! An anapodoton is a sort of anacoluthon! I found that one right away. Seems like I've been doing it all my life. If only I'd known it had a name....