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Coming from the UK and in my experience in writing to people on-line, it seems that some cultures that use the English language do not understand that ellipses in communication can come across as sarcastic or gloomy, or a variety of other feelings that usually feel negative to the reader.

I’m sure I’m not alone when I say this but I usually find dependent on content but most of the time coming across as negative that the use of ellipses in instant messaging is rude.

What is the bottom line? I hope there is an answer to this...

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Sorry, no... I can think of too many examples for this... – defaye May 28 '12 at 16:26
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A few representing examples, not all of the examples you know of. – Danny May 28 '12 at 16:28
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Unfortunately I don't have the brains nor the examples, my question cannot be refined by myself in any more detail, and I'm not about to poach personal conversation into question – defaye May 28 '12 at 16:41
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Yes. Okay, well that is your opinion - I want to avoid this question being closed as discussion so thanks for commenting but I'm looking for answers with either solid reasons as to why I could be right or wrong – defaye May 28 '12 at 16:52
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do u find some1 using bad orthogriffy rude 2 u 2? if so, this mite splain it. – tchrist May 28 '12 at 17:22
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closed as not constructive by Clark Kent, choster, Peter Shor , tchrist, Andrew Leach May 28 '12 at 18:24

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1 Answer

up vote 10 down vote accepted

You may read about the ellipsis in Wikipedia

You will note that nowhere in that discussion does it mention that the ellipsis should be avoided due to rudeness.

In fact most of the discussion there is about how to properly format the ellipsis rather than how to avoid it- This is telling in my book.

I think that you should re-evaluate your reaction to the ellipsis. To quote Inigo Montoya, "I do not think it means what you think it means."

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+1 for quoting Inigo Montoya! :) – FrustratedWithFormsDesigner May 28 '12 at 17:22

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