CG: n
CT: An instant messaging user may be represented in communications with other users by an avatar that is capable of being animated or may convey information about the user by displaying other types of self-expression items, such as non-animated icons, sounds, wallpaper, or objects associated with an avatar or wallpaper. In such a case, the avatar and self-expression items may have characteristics that relate to information that corresponds to or represents the user or their interests. The characteristics of the avatar and self-expression items chosen by the instant messaging user may be used to glean user characteristics or other types of information that describe the user in some way, such as the user’s geographical location, occupation, and various hobbies and interests.
S: GP – https://paten.ts.google.com/patent/US7468729B1/en (last access: 17 December 2020)
N: 1. 1784, “descent of a Hindu deity to earth in an incarnate or tangible form,” from Sanskrit avatarana “descent” (of a deity to the earth in incarnate form), from ava- “off, down” (from PIE root *au- (2) “off, away”) + base of tarati “(he) crosses over,” from PIE root *tere- (2) “cross over, pass through, overcome.” Meaning “concrete embodiment of something abstract” is from 1815 . In computer use, it seems to trace to the novel “Snowcrash” (1992) by Neal Stephenson.
2. Computer Graphics / Internet and Telematics: A digital character, a photo or an image that represents a user on the Web.
3. Games and Toys (General) / Simulation (Cybernetic Systems): A graphical representation of a person or character in a computer-generated environment …
4. Cultural Interrelation: We can mention the movie Avatar directed by James Cameron in 2009.
S: 1. OED – https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=avatar (last access: 18 December 2020). 2&3. TERMIUM PLUS – https://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tpv2alpha/alpha-eng.html?lang=eng&i=1&srchtxt=avatar&codom2nd_wet=1#resultrecs (last access: 18 December 2020). 4. TheTimes – https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/avatar-pictures-of-james-camerons-fantastic-new-world-vm52rjxzkn8 (last access: 18 December 2020).
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