hi! was able to fix the issue by installing the the wp-Monalisa plugin.

btw, using the latest version of both your plugins.  

Please let us know the version of the wpForo plugin and the wpForo Emoticons addon you're using. 

okay, thanks so much!

I'm really sorry, but no. I've already explained why. However, I've already snd this link to the addon developers, They'll check and provide some workaround if it's possible. 

so there's no way to hide the smiley code in the stream? or show it as a smiley?

I've checked the HTML code and there are no tags around the part, so it cannot be hidden anyway.

okay, thanks. 

i have a follow up question. the custom emoticons don't show up in the buddypress activity stream (please see attached file) - only the codes appear.

would it be possible to just hide it?

Try this CSS code. The main issue should be solved. 

#wpforo-wrap .wpforo-post .wpforo-post-content img.wpf-smile, #wpforo-wrap .wpforo-post .wpforo-post-content img.wpfem{
     vertical-align: middle;
}

Currently, I see another issue.

To solve it, use the CSS code:

.fa-window-close:before {
     content: "\f410" !important;
}

The CSS codes should be added in the "Custom CSS code" textarea, located in the Dashboard > Forums > Settings > Style Tab. 

 Please don't forget to delete all caches and press Ctrl+F5 (twice) on the frontend before checking to reload the updated CSS file.    

Simply we've let the developers know about the problem you've faced. Please note not all support questions can be answered without contacting the developers. 

Please wait a bit. I'll ask the developers If they can provide a simple solution.