stupid question

[browncoat]

I am the guy that ends up having to look up acronyms on urban dictionary about every other thread I read. I cannot figure out what someone means when they enclose a word with colons. Eg once you stop laughing could someone please explain?

 

[Marlowefire]

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f29/hall-o-fame-43689/

 

[browncoat]

Thank you. Apparently the HBT app does not render the litte cartoon icons.