1) Something ripped out of them anime faces, literally used every post when it comes to those Wapanese, exaggerated anime fans, or generally any audience that tries to act like they were born from Japan.
2) A lot of asians don't even KNOW of this smiley.
3) If not used by the Wapanese, it is used to express some joy and generosity. Although ':)' is much better.
1) Fukai Fukai Moriiii, I love Inuyasha, kupo ^_^ I can translate it in english, kupo. ^_^
Sheer stupidity. Even worse than the :), ;), and >:( combined. Used by those truly unfortunate souls who are both unintelligent AND unpopular. Users tend to be either asian; or, more commonly, fat and lonely anime nerds. May also use "leetspeak," which is just as bad.
SSSJVegeta04958939: I f0und th15 4\/\/350/\/\3! 1337 DBZ h3nt41 s1t3!
Normalmcnormalson: Um. Okay. Have fun with that. Leave me alone.
SSSJVegeta04958939: Ch3ckz0rz 1t 0ut! ^_^
Normalmcnormalson has added SSSJVegeta04958939 to his block list.