In most apps with text input, including Messages, punch Edit > Substitutions.
From then on that app wont replace those emoticons with emoji.
How to Stop Automatic Emoji Replacing Emoticons in OS X| OS X Daily
Turn Off Emoji Text Replacements in OS X with a Simple Toggle
If you type out an old emoticon like :) into OS X, a lot of apps will autocorrect that to an emoji. If you’re not a fan of this behavior and prefer to
