What xoxo means
XOXO is an informal term used to express sincerity, faith, love, or good friendship at the end of a written letter, email, or text message. It is commonly used in North America and is an abbreviation of "hugs and kisses." In the United Kingdom, the phrase "hugs and kisses" is widely used, but XO or XOXO are not (though X, XX, etc. for "kisses" is).
The origins of XOXO are unclear, but the phrase has been in use since at least the 1700s. The "X" is thought to represent a kiss, possibly because an "X" resembles two mouths kissing, while the "O" may represent a hug, as it resembles two people embracing. Alternatively, the "O" may simply be a stylized representation of a kiss.
XOXO can be used in a romantic or platonic sense, depending on the context in which it is used. It is often used as a way to express affection or friendship at the end of a message, similar to saying "take care" or "best wishes."
Sources
- hugs and kisses Meaning & Origin | Slang by …dictionary.com
- Why Does "XOXO" Mean "Kisses and Hugs"?mentalfloss.com
- Hugs and kisses - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
- meaning - XOXO means "hugs and kisses" but why? - English …english.stackexchange.com
- The History Of X And O And How It Came To Stand For Hugs …msn.com
- How XO Came to Mean Kisses and Hugs | Psychology Today …psychologytoday.com
- How "XOXO" Came to Mean "Hugs and Kisses"todayifoundout.com
- Hugs and Kisses: The History and Symbolism of "XO" - ALEX …alexandani.com