Welcome to the world of texting! You may have heard your friends sending each other “XOXO” in their texts or seen it used online, but did you ever stop and wonder what it means? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. Here we are dedicated to helping English language students like you master the complexities of slang terms and text abbreviations.
So today we’re going to explore further into “XOXO” ― what does it mean and how can you use it in conversation? Stick around as we explain this essential lingo in full detail!
XOXO Meaning
Although written in capital letters, XOXO is not an abbreviation nor the initials of an expression but is known as a visual acronym. The custom of ending a letter with the letters XOXO is a relatively new one that didn't catch on until the 1960s. Its use was made more widely known by the television show Gossip Girl, whose final credits always featured the voiceover, "XOXO, Gossip Girl."
Despite the murky history of these symbols, it is generally understood in modern society that XOXO stands for "hugs and kisses."
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Read more: What is the Meaning of LMAO
What Does XO Mean
XO is just another version of the popular phrase XOXO, meaning hugs and kisses that is used mostly in North America. At the conclusion of a written letter, email, or text message, it is also a colloquial expression for expressing honesty, faith, love, or good friendship. The expression "hugs and kisses" is common in the UK, however "XO" or "XOXO" are not.
Is X Hugs or Kisses
X/x and O/o are terms for "kiss" and "hug," respectively. Since 1763, "X" has been used to denote a kiss; it was also used to denote a signature by illiterates in the middle ages. There are numerous conjectural origins ideas of these two letters and how they came to be used nowadays.
It is thought that the use of the letter X as a symbol dates back to the Middle Ages when the majority of people lacked literacy. As proof of their faith and sincerity, they would sign documents with an X or a cross as a symbol. They would also literally "seal with a kiss" the cross as another representation of their reliability.
XOXO en Español
In Spanish, the same phrase can often be used as a loaned expression from English. XOXO can be an informal and affectionate way of closing a communication through email, SMS or text message or chat. It can also be used in social media, such as Facebook and Twitter. For example: “Dinner will be on Saturday at 8:00 pm. I wait for you. XOXO”.
This expression is usually said as an acronym, according to its articulation in English, that is X (eks) O (ou) X (eks) O (ou).
