Avatars, also known in the IM world as buddy icons, are small images, like thumbnails, that are used as visual representations for different users when they communicate with each other online. In the virtual world, participating users of a certain online realm can often select an avatar to give them a unique, graphical persona which sets them apart from other users.

Many message forums encourage the use of avatars, as do blogs, instant messaging or IM applications, and social networking websites. Some sites allow you to create custom avatars, while others provide collections of non-customizable static avatars and animated avatars.

BadassBuddy.com has a colorful collection of movie avatars, video game avatars, sports avatars, and general funny avatars. One the most popular avatars on the site is the Do the Dew avatar. Also, there are two paintball avatars that are extremely popular as well.