The term refers to the acquisition, typically from online sources, of graphical symbols with suggestive or explicit sexual connotations, at no monetary cost. These images, used in digital communication, often serve as a form of playful innuendo or direct expression of sexual interest. An example involves obtaining a set of images depicting suggestive acts for use in text messaging.
The perceived value of this practice lies in its ability to add levity, directness, or perceived intimacy to digital conversations. Historically, the desire for enhanced communication, moving beyond simple text, fueled the development of emoticons and subsequently emojis. The evolution included increasingly nuanced and potentially explicit forms of visual expression, reflecting changing social norms and the desire for more direct forms of digital interaction.