A US company has launched a new punctuation mark which is intended to express sarcasm in written form.
They claim the sarcasm mark, or SarcMark – an open circle with a dot in the centre – is needed for sarcasm to work on the web, or in print.
After being downloaded (for $1.99) it can be installed on computers and mobile phones – allowing people to use it in text messages or emails.
A spokesperson said that using the SarcMark means never again waste a good sarcastic line on someone who doesn’t get it and could make some websites make a lot more sense.
We think it’s a wonderful idea. <–See, we could have added one just there.
The spokesperson added: “With the spoken word, we use our tone, inflection and volume to question, exclaim and convey our feelings.“The written word has question marks and exclamation points to document those thoughts, but sarcasm has nothing.
“In today’s world with increasing commentary, debate and rhetoric, what better time could there be than now, to ensure that no sarcastic message, comment or opinion is left behind.
“When you see the newest punctuation mark for sarcasm, you’ll know the writer of that sentence doesn’t literally mean what they’re writing; they’re being sarcastic.”
[From SarcMark: Sarcasm punctuation is a great idea – Odd News | newslite.tv]