What Does XOXO Mean? Where Did it Originate From?
by Ruksana
Updated Feb 02, 2024
What Does XOXO Mean?
XOXO is a popular phrase that means "hugs and kisses." It's a way of expressing affection, sincerity, or deep friendship in a lighthearted manner. The X represents a kiss, and the O represents a hug.
People often use XOXO when signing cards, sending text messages, or conveying love and warmth to others. It's a versatile symbol that can be used casually between friends or more romantically between partners.
The X is like two mouths kissing, and the O looks like two pairs of arms coming together for a hug. Despite being a symbol of love, XOXO is not always reserved for intense passion; it can be used in various friendly and affectionate contexts.
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Where Did it Originate From?
The exact origin of XOXO is not definitively known, but there are interesting theories. One theory dates back to the Middle Ages, suggesting that the 'X' symbol was used to sign important documents, representing sincerity and honesty.
Another theory with Christian roots sees the 'X' resembling a cross, symbolizing goodwill. The 'O' could be linked to Jewish immigrants in the U.S. who used a circular symbol instead of a signature.
The fusion of X and O into XOXO is uncertain, with one of the earliest documented instances dating back to a published letter in 1960. Over time, people combined these symbols, making it the popular phrase we know today.
What is The Meaning Of XOXO?
XOXO, translating to "hugs and kisses," is widely known for its lighthearted expression of affection and deep friendship. The X signifies a kiss, and the O symbolizes a hug, with the stylized shapes resembling two mouths kissing and two pairs of arms connecting for a hug.
It's commonly used in various contexts, from signing cards to sending sweet text messages. The history of XOXO is rooted in theories dating back to the Middle Ages and Christian symbolism, where the 'X' represented sincerity and the 'O' had various interpretations, including a hug.
The exact moment when X and O came together is uncertain, but it became a popular phrase, especially in the mid-20th century. Today, XOXO is incorporated into weddings and romantic expressions, adding a playful and affectionate touch to special occasions.
History of XOXO
The history of XOXO, meaning "hugs and kisses," dates back to the 1878 novel "Seaforth" by Florence Montgomery, where 'x' and 'o' were first used to indicate kisses.
The exact origins of these symbols remain unclear, but theories abound. In the Middle Ages, 'x' was associated with the Christian cross, symbolizing sincerity, faith, and honesty, often used in place of a signature. There's speculation that after writing a cross, individuals would kiss it to show sincerity.
The letter 'X' also has ties to the Greek word for Christ, ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ, leading to its use as an abbreviation. The 'O' in XOXO, possibly of North American descent, is linked to Yiddish-speaking Jewish immigrants who used 'O' instead of the sign of the cross when signing documents.
Despite various speculations, the true origins remain elusive, and the history of how 'x' came to represent kisses and 'o' hugs continues to be a subject of curiosity. Today, XOXO is widely recognized as a symbol of affection, often used in communication and even incorporated into popular culture.
What Does XOXO Mean? - FAQs
XOXO is a popular phrase meaning "hugs and kisses," expressing affection or friendship with an X representing a kiss and an O symbolizing a hug.
People use XOXO when signing cards, sending texts, or expressing love, versatile for casual friendships or romantic relationships.
The X represents a kiss, and the O represents a hug, symbolizing two mouths kissing and two pairs of arms embracing.
No, XOXO is versatile and used in friendly or romantic contexts, not exclusively reserved for intense passion.
One of the earliest documented instances dates back to a published letter in 1960, marking its use in the mid-20th century.