What does a . (dot) mean in texting?

In the context of text messaging, the meaning of a . (dot) or period can vary based on how it's used. Here are a few common ways it might be used:

1. End of a sentence: The most common usage of a dot in any form of written communication is to denote the end of a sentence.
2. Pause or break: In casual, informal texting, a single dot can indicate a pause or break in thought.
3. Frustration or anger: In some cases, people might use a dot at the end of a one-word response or short sentence to subtly indicate frustration, anger, or finality. For example, "Fine." or "Okay."
4. Indicating a website: A dot is also used in URLs to separate the domain name from the extension, as in www.example.com.
5. Ellipsis (...): When used in a series of three, dots can indicate an omission, pause in speech, an unfinished thought, or that the speaker is trailing off.

Learn more:

1. When Your Punctuation Says It All (!)
2. Marketing Punctuation Matters: How To Punctuate for Results
3. The way people use periods in text messages can be misinterpreted, study finds