Speakers over 40 all around the world use that. And when emojis are not supported (like in an plain text file meant to be read on people's terminals, or iirc here on HN too), it makes sense for people under 40 too.

They might have meant writing :-) instead of :), while I think you’re talking about

Yeah specifically with that hyphen nose. I have like three friends who all do that and they all meet that description it's hilarious

Don‘t discriminate against the hyphen nose.

(Said in a sharp German accent)

:-)

Would guess also you remember your ICQ number