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:
![meaning of X](../IMT_images/X_definition.jpg)
X is also used in math to indicate a "variable."
Summary of Key Points
First Definition for X
"Kiss" is, by far, the most common meaning for X when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)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 (Here, X means "Kiss.")
- Sam: If X plus me equals 100%, what's the value of X?
- Ali: Me?
- Sam: Correct! X (Here, X means both "Kiss" and "Variable.")
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.What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?
The use of the letter X to represent a kiss long pre-dates the digital era.Example of X Used in a Text
X
You might also like...
BESO (kiss (in Spanish))
BFK (big fat kiss)
BISOU (kiss (in French))
BMAK (blow me a kiss)
H&K (hugs and kisses)
KFY (kiss for you)
KOD (kiss of death)
LAK (love and kisses)
MWA (kiss)
Using the accented letters
Using the Greek-letter symbols
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