Facebook emoticons are experiencing a massive surge in popularity at the moment, due to a number of factors. Facebook is the world's most popular social network (by a LONG way), and it has spread to many, many new countries and territories due to a revolutionary translation project which had its own users translate elements of Facebook's user interface on behalf of the company. Pretty smart, huh?

Facebook chat is the system which people can use to chat live to each other if they are online on the site at the same time. When it was first released it was plagued by problems (disconnection issues, slow loading times, timeouts) but they seem now to have their problems ironed out and people are using it more and more.

With the popularity rising, the use of its own emoticons has risen too. With this in mind, I have compiled a list of the top five most popular Facebook emoticons and a short description of each one. Enjoy!

5 – Heart Facebook emoticon

One of the most expressive emoticons that you can ever use, the heart symbol is one which can be used to express your true love feelings to anyone – be it friendship, love to family members or trying to tell that special someone that you're ready to take the next step in a relationship...

4 – Devil Facebook emoticon

The devil! Who could possibly want to put this in their Facebook chats? Well...nearly everyone, that's who! Naughty girls who want to show they are not 100% angels, or naughty guys who want to tell jokes to those naughty girls! The devil emoticon really puts the spice back into chat, which is why it makes it to number four.

3 – Robot Facebook emoticon

Can you do the robot? The dance is one of the coolest in the hip-hop world, and now you can 'do the robot' in Facebook chat too! The robot emoticon is one which has been missing from all major chat programs for years, but now Facebook has it and it looks great!

2 – Pacman Facebook emoticon

Are you an 80's baby? If you are, then you will probably remember coin-operated games featuring the amazing little yellow face with a hatred for ghosts...Pacman! His icon is featured in the #2 most popular emoticon – the Pacman face!

1 – Shark Facebook emoticon

The newest Facebook emoticon is the most popular emoticon at present. Is it because it is the most rare? Is it because it is one of the most difficult to type? Is it because it represents one of the most terrifying movies in the history of cinema? Yes. All of the above!

What's your favourite Facebook emoticon?