1. Computing & Technology
Balloon

Example of a thought balloon and speech balloon. | Design & Layout | Graphics | Alpha Index of Full Glossary:

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Definition:

A graphic device often seen in comic books, a balloon is a box, circle, or cloudlike shape that contains the words or thoughts of a character. These balloons come in many shapes. Typically an extended or pointed portion of the balloon or a straight line points to the character speaking. Cloud-shaped balloons often indicate what a character is thinking rather than what is being spoken.

Balloons can also be used as decorative elements enclosing call-outs or captions on photos and other illustrations. When used alone, the character speaking is presumed to be the author or the organization using the balloon.

A speech balloon is also seen in many logos, such as Angies List and Technorati. It typically denotes any type of site where there's a lot of talking going on — forums, social networking sites, blogs, user reviews, etc.

Also see:

Pronunciation: [bul-LOON]
Also Known As: speech balloon | speech bubble | thought balloon | thought bubble | text balloon | text bubble
Terms Related to Balloon

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