What Does X Mean in a Text?
home▸sitemap▸search x▸X
X means "Kiss" and can also mean "Variable" (in Math).
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
First Definition for X
"Kiss" is the most common definition for X on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
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 being used 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
This page is maintained by the Cyber Definitions Editorial Team.
You might also like...
BESO (kiss (in Spanish))BFK (big fat kiss)BISOU (kiss (in French))BMAK (blow me a kiss)KFY (kiss for you)KOD (kiss of death)LAK (love and kisses)MWA (kiss) Using the accented lettersUsing the Greek-letter symbols
Help Us Improve Cyber Definitions
- Do you disagree with something on this page?
- Did you spot a typo?
- Do you know a slang term that we've missed?
Share This Page
If you like Cyber Definitions (or this page in particular), please link to it or share it with others.
If you do,
please tell us. It helps us a lot!
Create a QR Code
Use our handy widget to create a QR code for this page...or any page.