Finally! A Sarcasm-Specific Punctuation Mark

Sarcastic people around the world, rejoice—a father-son team has finally developed a punctuation mark purpose-built to make sarcasm clear in written and electronic communication. “Questions have the question mark, exclamations have the exclamation point,” reasons the elder creator. The SarcMark is “the 21st century’s punctuation.” Newser will be punting on using it, however: We're not so sure it's worth the $1.99 it costs to download the software that lets Windows users insert it by pressing CTRL and the period key.

Experts on electronic communication aren’t buying it, either. When IMing, for instance, people tend to compensate by avoiding sarcasm altogether or using readily available—and free—emoticons, reports ABC News. Scott Fahlman, the “father of the smiley face,” is more dismissive. “I don't see what it does that the good ol' smiley face doesn't do, and the one I invented is free.” Tell that to the 600 people who have downloaded the SarcMark. Or don't. J/K. :)