The Curious Greek Case of the Kissing X

The innocent trio of 'xxx' at the end of a text message might seem harmless enough, a simple, affectionate sign-off. But this ubiquitous symbol carries a surprising amount of cultural baggage.

Contrary to popular belief, the link between 'x' and kissing isn't inherent. In Spanish, for instance, 'x' simply stands in for 'por,' meaning 'for' or 'by'. So, where did this association come from?

One theory suggests the Greek connection. The Greek letter 'chi' (X) sounds similar to 'kiss', and the Greek word for Christ begins with 'chi', leading some to believe the letter was once a Christian symbol. In medieval times, illiterate people often used 'x' as a signature, which was then kissed as a sign of devotion. Over time, the religious connotation faded, leaving behind the kiss.

However, evidence for this is scarce. The earliest recorded use of 'x' as kisses appears in a 1763 letter by naturalist Gilbert White, who used seven 'x's' alongside religious phrases. Some argue these 'x's' represented blessings, not kisses.

By the late 19th century, though, 'xxx' as a sign-off was firmly established, as evidenced by letters from figures like Winston Churchill.

So, while the exact origin remains a mystery, the 'xxx' has evolved from a potential religious symbol to a casual expression of affection.