X

X (noun / text slang / UK texting habit)

(Also seen as: x, xx, xxx, Text kiss)

Definition: A text kiss. Stuck onto the end of virtually every message to show affection, keep the peace, or simply stop a text from sounding aggressive.

Pronunciation: /ɛks/

Where It Comes From: Centuries ago, people who couldn’t read or write signed legal documents with an “X” to represent a cross, then physically leaned down and kissed the paper to swear they weren’t lying.

By the late Victorian era, sweethearts started putting “x” at the bottom of letters and postcards to stand for an actual kiss. When the UK got hooked on cheap pay-as-you-go Nokia texting in the late 90s, the habit went into overdrive. While Americans stuck to “xoxo”, Brits turned the humble lowercase “x” into a national obsession on every single mobile screen.

How People Actually Use It: It’s the ultimate British social tightrope, and everybody knows the unspoken rules:

• One “x”: The standard buffer. It softens a sentence so you don’t look miserable. “On my way x” sounds warm; “On my way” sounds like you’re coming over to start a fight.

• Two or three “xxx”: Reserved for your partner, a massive crush, your mum, or close mates after a few pints.

• Zero “x” (the danger zone): If someone always sends a kiss and suddenly hits you with a dry text and a full stop, panic. Dropping the “x” is British code for “I am secretly furious with you and you need to figure out why.”

Examples in the Wild:

• “She sent me loads of x’s after the pub—she’s definitely keen.”

  Translation: “She sent lots of text kisses, which means the date went brilliantly.”

• “I’ll see you soon, x”

  Translation: “See you in a bit, signing off warmly.”

• “She replied with ‘Fine.’ and left off the x… I’m a dead man.”

  Translation: “She deliberately withheld her usual text kiss, so she is fuming with me.”

Similar Slang: Kiss, xx, Smooch, Love, Sign-off, XOXO