The Meaning of XOXO in Slang Language is Hug and Kiss, Along with Separate Explanations for the X and O in XOXO.

Kapanlagi.com - Social media users must be familiar with the term XOXO. Yes, this term has become an expression in slang that is often used in a chat until a caption on social media. The meaning of XOXO itself is a form of kiss and hug. So this word is usually used as an easy and short way to express love, sincerity, or deep friendship.

Usually, this abbreviation is used for lovers to friends as a form of affection. XOXO itself is included in a slang language. Apart from knowing the meaning of XOXO thoroughly, KLovers can also know the meaning of XOXO separately because the word XOXO itself is a combination.

Well, for those curious about the meaning of XOXO, here is an explanation of the general meaning of XOXO in slang along with separate explanations of the X and O in XOXO. Let's check it out, KLovers.

1. Meaning of XOXO

Illustration (credit: Pexels)

As previously explained, the meaning of XOXO is a term for kissing and hugging, where X represents a kiss, while O represents a hug. Therefore, it can be concluded that the meaning of XOXO can be a sign of both kissing and hugging. This can be seen because the letter X looks like two mouths kissing, and O looks like two pairs of arms connected for a hug.

Usually, the word XOXO is used by lovers or as an expression of affection for children, family, and even friends. Thus, those who know the meaning of XOXO will assume that you are giving an expression of kiss and hug as a message of love to be given to someone you love. You also need to know that the meaning of XOXO is not always intended as a symbol of passion between couples.

Because the word XOXO is not only given to couples but can also be given to friends, siblings, children, and parents. Because XOXO is a form of affection that can be given to your closest people.

2. Meaning of X in XOXO

Illustration (credit: Pexels)

As previously mentioned, the letter X in the meaning of XOXO is a sign of a kiss. According to Marcel Danesi, a semiotics and linguistic anthropology professor at the University of Toronto and author of The History of the Kiss: The Birth of Popular Culture, who studied the history of kissing in his book, agrees that X in XOXO has been used in correspondence since the Middle Ages.

Although initially X was intended to symbolize "Christ," over time, this letter X developed into a way of signing with a kiss. Danesi says this reflects a cultural shift that places more emphasis on love and affection. When people follow tradition and sign and seal their letters with an X, it means they are sealing the letter with a kiss.

Even physically kissing the scroll or paper that was once sealed, according to Danesi. In modern times, people tend to see X as a symbol showing someone's mouth puckering as they kiss or like two people kissing from above. Thus, the letter X in the meaning of XOXO indicates a kiss used in communication.

3. The Meaning of O in XOXO

Illustration (credit: Pexels)

Not only the meaning of the letter X in XOXO, Marcel Danesi also revealed about the letter O in XOXO. The letters X and O are easy to write, even for people who have never learned to read. Danesi noted that the symbols X and O have been used and developed since the medieval period, so these two symbols have been connected for a long time. So the word XOXO is not something new, KLovers.

However, there is not much evidence to show that O was used to symbolize a hug in writing before 1960, according to the Washington Post. Regardless of how it started, the letter O can be seen as a visual symbol of a hug. Danesi revealed,

"If you step into the circle, it will be like wrapping around. You say when you hug someone, 'I am wrapping the aura and physical of the person.' And you really make a circle with your hands." He said.

So it can be concluded that the word XOXO is a combination of the words X and O which means kiss and hug. In addition, the meaning of XOXO is not always intended as a symbol of passion between couples. Because the word XOXO has become an expression of affection for your closest people, whether it's friends, siblings, partners, parents, or children.

That is the meaning of XOXO in slang language that KLovers can know and understand. Not only knowing the general meaning of XOXO which means kiss and hug, but KLovers can also know the meaning of the letter X in XOXO, as well as the meaning of the letter O in XOXO.

(kpl/gen/dhm)