Tone Indicator Dictionary
Welcome to the Tone Indicator Dictionary, an easy repository of tone indicators, their variations, and their meanings. Scroll to the bottom of the page to suggest an addition, and to see credits.
The opposites of indicators will generally be next to each other, and where applicable, the positive meaning on the left.
Common Indicators
/s (Sarcasm)
overlap: /j (Joking)
They're being sarcastic.
/j (Joking)
overlap: /s (Sarcasm)
They're making a joke.
/srs (Serious)
overlap: /g (Genuine), /sin (Sincerely)
This is not a joke, this is not sarcastic, this is not to be taken lightly.
/hj (Half joking)
They're making a joke, but to some extent it's true or serious.
Intent Indicators
/r (Romantic)
They're being romantic, or flirting!
/p (Platonic)
They're not flirting, the comment is strictly platonic.
/sx or /x or /xxx (Sexual intent)
They're being intentionally sexual.
/nsx or /nx (Nonsexual intent)
They don't mean to be sexual.
/gen or /gq (Genuine question)
They're asking a genuine question, it isn't rhetorical or in bad faith.
/rh or /rt (Rhetorical question)
They're asking a rhetorical question, that isn't meant to be answered seriously.
/g (Genuine)
overlap: /srs (Serious), /sin (Sincerely)
They mean this sincerely.
(Close) Opposites include:
/hyp or /ex (Hyperbole/Exaggeration)
/s (Sarcasm)
/j (Joking)
(Close) Opposites include:
/hyp or /ex (Hyperbole/Exaggeration)
/s (Sarcasm)
/j (Joking)
/th (Threat)
This isn't a joke, it is a real threat.
/li (Literally)
This should be taken literally. Not in the way someone might say "I'm literally jumping for joy!" as emphasis, when they aren't actually jumping. This is actually literal.
/hyp or /ex (Hyperbole/Exaggeration)
overlap: /j (Joking), /hj (Half joking), /s (Sarcasm)
They're exaggerating or using hyperbole.
/pc or /pos
(Positive connotation)
What they said was meant to have a positive connotation.
/nc or /neg
(Negative connotation)
What they said was meant to have a negative connotation.
Joke Indicators
/t (Teasing)
They're just teasing, they don't mean to hurt feelings.
(Close) Opposites include:
/srs (Serious)
/g (Genuine)
/li (Literally)
/ij (Inside joke)
What they just said is an inside joke, amongst personal friends or a community. Don't feel bad if you don't get it!
(Close) Opposites include:
Miscellaneous Indicators
/c or /copy (Copypasta)
Whatever they just said is a copypasta: a story, joke, or piece of text that is copied around the internet. A modern example is the beginning of the script to the Bee Movie.
(Close) Opposites include:
/cb (Clickbait)
Whatever was said is clickbait, text or images designed to convince someone to click on it. Often used in article and video titles.
(Close) Opposites include:
/m (Metaphorically)
The statement is metaphorical, not literal.
(Close) Opposites include:
/srs (Serious)
/g (Genuine)
/li (Literally)
/lh (Light hearted)
They mean to be light hearted.
(Close) Opposites include:
/srs (Serious)
/l or /ly (Lyrics)
What they just said is song lyrics, not their own words.
(Close) Opposites include:
/cw or /tw
(Content/Trigger Warning)
This tone indicator is used at the beginning of a post to indicate that there may be content that could be triggering or upsetting to some people.
It is generally better to include a brief list of the types of content in a post, so it's easier for someone to decide if they want to continue reading.
That might look something like "cw: scary-thing, spooky-thing"
(Close) Opposites include:
Credit
The list of tone indicators originally used to make this site was made by @SplitM1lk0_o.
Suggestions & Contact
This site was made by pastellexists.
I don't have any interest in maintaining this site any further, but I'm leaving it up in case it's been linked to anywhere.
If your browser doesn't open a mail client, my email is [email protected]