2006-07-10 09:34:46 · 9 answers · asked by midi_junkie 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
The association of "X" with "kiss" seems to predate the idea that the letter is a picture of two mouths kissing (though that might help explain how the symbol became popular in this use).
There is an ancient tradition of illiterate or semi-literate people signing documents by making an "X", a very simple thing to write. (For instance, the ancient Hebrew word "tau" which MEANS "mark" was also the name for the letter in their alphabet that though sounding like our "t", originally LOOKED like an "X".)
In medieval times the X had heightened meaning because it was also interpeted as a sign of the cross and of the name "Christ" (because the Greek letter with which this word begins looks like "X"). Partly because of this religious significance the practice grew up of KISSING the document on the "X" as a sign of a solemn pledge or oath. (Kissing an object with sacred associations was, of course, a sign of respect/devotion. In this case, kissing the X would presumably show respect for [the name of] Christ iby whom the pledge was, at least implicitly, made).
One other fascinating possibility is based on the NAME of "X" -- the letter X in spanish is named "equis" which has the same pronunciation that "a kiss". Even if this not the origin of the association, it could not help but strenghen it. (Frankly, it's in some ways more logical than the idea that a practice of "kissing the X" resulting in X standing FOR a kiss. If there were better documentary evidence, esp showing how a basically SPANISH explanation ended up affecting ENGLISH usage, I'd be tempted to go with this explanation
2006-07-11 13:08:40 · answer #1 · answered by bruhaha 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always thought that X stood for a hug, and O represented a kiss. You know, X represents the arms, and O the puckered lips. Am I wrong?
2006-07-10 16:42:07 · answer #2 · answered by digitalrancher 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was medieval practice to sign letter with a "X" for those who could not write, and when it was witnessed as their signature, the signer would have to kiss the "X" as a sign of sincerity. Because it was kissed it became symbolic as the "X" :)
2006-07-17 10:38:39 · answer #3 · answered by Nightstar 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it is because when two people's lips come together it creates a sort of X whereas when you embrace someone, your arms encircle them...making an O.
2006-07-10 16:39:10 · answer #4 · answered by sister_hawk01 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cause when you pucker up tight enough, your cheeks cave in and your face looks like an X !! :)
2006-07-10 16:38:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
X marks the spot!
2006-07-10 16:38:23 · answer #6 · answered by go_to_girl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because more than three kisses and you're onto something else. xxx
2006-07-10 16:37:48 · answer #7 · answered by Answerer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I thought X meant DONT! GO THERE!
2006-07-10 18:59:29 · answer #8 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not? something has to.
2006-07-10 16:47:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋