X

What Does X Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

X means "Kiss" but can also mean "Variable" (in mathematics).

Kiss

The letter X is widely used at the end of text messages and emails to signify a kiss. It can be typed in either uppercase (X) or lowercase (x) without significantly altering its meaning. However, uppercase may sometimes be used to provide emphasis (i.e., to signify a big kiss). The use of a single X at the end of a message should not always be regarded as a sign of particular affection. It is often included just to add a warm tone to a message, or simply out of habit. In fact, the inclusion of a single X at the end of a message is so common among friends, that not including one may be considered a snub or an indication that the sender is annoyed. Here is a table showing the possible meanings of Xs at the end of a message:

Number of Xs	Meaning
No X	(1) If the sender normally sends an X, then the sender may be annoyed. (2) If the message is business-like and not among friends, then no X is appropriate. (3) If messaging is back and forth, then Xs are often dropped until the last message.
One X	(1) A light kiss. (2) If a kiss seems inappropriate, then the X probably just signifies a friendly tone. This unclear distinction does allow a single X to be used for flirting, as it provides the sender with plausible deniability. ("I was just being friendly.")
Two Xs	With XX, the sender's intent was to send kisses.
Three or more Xs	If you've been sent three or more Xs, they are definitely affectionate kisses. (See also XXXX.)

Variable

The letter X is often used in math to mean a value that is not yet known. It is called a "variable." For example, in X - 3 = 9, X is the "variable" (which, in this case, equals 12). A "variable" doesn't have to be indicated by the letter X. It could be any other letter, word or symbol.

Image for X

When I write X, I mean this:

X is also used in math to indicate a "variable."

Summary of Key Points

We have summarized the key points in the table below:

X
Definition:	Kiss
Type:	Icon
Guessability:	1: Easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults, Teenagers, and Under 13s

Second Definition for X

"Variable" is common definition for X in math.

X
Definition:	Variable
Type:	Icon
Guessability:	1: Easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of X in Sentences

Here are examples of X in conversations:

Lou: Okay. See you there.
Jo: Don't be late! X

Sam: If X plus me equals 100%, what's the value of X?
Ali: Me?
Sam: Correct! X

An Academic Look at X

In the Middle Ages, most people were illiterate and could only write the letter X. As a result, many people signed letters and sealed envelopes with an X, which they then kissed as a sign of faith and honesty. It is generally accepted that this X represented the Christian cross. However, it is also thought that the X may have represented the name of Jesus Christ, deriving from "ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ" (which is the Greek word for Christ). If the X represents a cross, it would be classified as a symbol, rather than a letter. However, if it represents the name of Jesus Christ, it would be a letter, in which case it would be an initialism abbreviation.