Wasei-eigo computing term for a smiley or emoticon, typically a simple text-based face mark like :-) or (^_^).
wasei-eigo (Japanese-coined English), from face mark
Adding a smiley at the end of an email gives a softer impression.
昔の携帯メールでは、フェイスマークをよく使った。
In old mobile phone messages, we often used emoticons.
Variant with interpunct; less common but still seen.
Wasei-eigo from English 'face mark', referring to a text-based emoticon or smiley.