blinkie

noun

1. (Internet)A small animated graphic for use on a web page, usually taking the form of a picture or phrase with blinking lights around it.

   “The buddyicon.info Web site offers thousands of AIM buddy icons (28838 by my most recent count), as well as "away" icons and "blinkies" […]”

   “You want people to be able to find your entries; try to keep the extra bling, like distracting scripts and blinkies, to a minimum.”

   “Don't animate your visuals to blink ad infinitum. Set a small-file blinkie to turn off after no more than three passes at whatever it is your blinkie does.”

2. (colloquial)A coupon dispenser with blinking lights to draw the attention of shoppers.

   “These are blinkies. When you walk up to them there is usually a coupon sticking out. Snag the coupon and another one just like it will pop out in a few seconds. Blinkies have a special place in my heart.”