Skype has been livened up with the introduction of Mojis, a step up, or perhaps around the bend, from the previously used emoji (pictograph) and emoticon (typographic display). Whether an improvement in communications in chat, or just jumping the shark apropos how much silliness we add to our conversations, is for you to decide. The Moji has entered our lives, and one thing is for sure, you can bet it will be incredibly popular. Get ready for Miss Piggy giving you grief when you tell someone you’re going to be late for dinner.

Sometimes words aren’t enough, says Skype, and Mojis, which are short clips from movies and TV shows, including the Muppets, can now do the job when you’re rendered speechless, or text-less. In a Skype blog we’re told, “We’ve scoured the archives and handpicked the funniest, craziest, and most iconic moments from some of the best TV and movies out there.” Sending a Moji is simple, says Skype, just browse the TV show or movie, or even the expression you want, then find the relevant Moji and drop it into your conversation.

And if that wasn’t enough Skype has also teamed up with the BBC and Universal Studios, as well as other studios, to widen the scope of the Moji selection. Skype writes, “This first Moji release will kick things off with fan favorites such as Despicable Me, Bridesmaids, Pitch Perfect, Jurassic Park, The Muppets, and so much more.”

If you’re using the latest Skype app for Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS, look out for your Mojis as they start to roll out. When you go into your emoticon picker you will see the Moji option, and this will be updated frequently as Skype enlarges its arsenal of expressions.

How long will it take the world’s cutest chat app Line to catch up, the messaging app that has taken Asia by storm using cuteness as it marketing model? Whoever thought Line could ever be out-cuted? And by Skype, not exactly known as the wackiest of messaging apps. It is now.

Photo credit: Skype and Khairil Zhafri via Flckr