WordSmarts: Why does "XOXO" mean "Kisses and Hugs"?

 


Why does “XOXO” mean “kisses and hugs”?


Author

Bennett Kleinman

XOXO written on a piece of paper with lipstick

Nothing beats giving a big bear hug and a sloppy smooch to your sweetheart, but if you’re facing a long-distance romance, it’s more challenging to convey your affection. Ending a love letter with “XOXO” means “kisses and hugs,” but you might be wondering why we use those letters, instead of “KHKH.”
Before the “X” stood for kisses, it was a representation of identity. In medieval times, much of the population couldn’t read or write their name. If someone couldn’t sign their name, it was common to sign important documents with an “X” or a similarly shaped cross symbol. The majority of English speakers were devout Christians who believed that “X” represented the sign of the cross and Christ. Signing a document with “X” implied a sense of sincerity and fidelity.

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