^^; In this emoticon ";" means sweat. So that emoticon expresses 'smiling face' but it also represents sort of "embarassing or confusing". Let's say A aksed you if he/she is good looking, than what are you gonna say? Isn't this embarassing? Than you can just show that emoticon ^^;. For example, A: Don't I look like so pretty? B:^^; haha... yes... maybe... or B: ^^;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; Lots of semicolon means you're quite embarassing but you can't say or do anything cause it could hurt other's heart. Or ^^; can be used for just showing your simple and generous disagreement. Without using negative words you can express your will simply. For example, A: Can you help me doing my homework? B:^^;;;; A:Why? Are you busy now? B: yes.... sorry I'm sort of busy now.

She is right but to make it a lil simpler: ^^ = smiling eyes. ; = a sideways smile and a dimple above it. So combined ^^; By the way, it's Fan - not Barry. Barry is my family name.

basically, it shows happiness/glee... you know, when you smile so big that your eyes kinda close like that? (or i guess it is more common in asians) it's a common 'face' used in anime. ie: i'm so happy to meet you ^^ it: thank yoy! ^^ etc.. etc.. :]