usage of xoxo

[tree123]

On Penfriend section, a member created a thread which was closed with 'xoxo'.

Emsr2d2 advised him/her to use 'xoxo' to friends and family, but not forum members.

When I read this comment last year, I thought the British are known for generally being reserved. Do the British really use 'xoxo' to friends?

The friends must be very very close, aren't they if they use 'xoxo' to each other?

Kissing and hugging are not the etiquettes of English-speaking countries, unlike the French and other European nations,

PS--I read this advice last year. Somehow it has been hovering in my mind.

 

[SoothingDave]

It's OK provided you are a 12 year old girl.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

It's OK provided you are a 12 year old girl.

And dot your i's with little circles.

 

[PeterCW]

When I read this comment last year, I thought the British are known for generally being reserved. Do the British really use 'xoxo' to friends?

The friends must be very very close, aren't they if they use 'xoxo' to each other?

Kissing and hugging are not the etiquettes of English-speaking countries, unlike the French and other European nations,

PS--I read this advice last year. Somehow it has been hovering in my mind.

I had never heard of "xoxo" before reading your post, but then I am over 14 (a very long way over 14). Using "x" for a kiss on the other hand is well understood by all generations. I would only use it when writing to somebody who I was romantically involved with but I believe that young people use it rather more freely.

Kissing in England isn't as formalised as in mainland Europe but is common among all generations. I would expect to kiss most of my female friends, both single and married, on meeting them as a matter of course.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

I had never heard of "xoxo" before reading your post, but then I am over 14 (a very long way over 14). Using "x" for a kiss on the other hand is well understood by all generations. I would only use it when writing to somebody who I was romantically involved with but I believe that young people use it rather more freely.

Kissing in England isn't as formalised as in mainland Europe but is common among all generations. I would expect to kiss most of my female friends, both single and married, on meeting them as a matter of course.

It means "hugs and kisses." X stands for two faces in profile with their lips touching. O stands for the circle your arms make around someone.

It's been used freely for as long as I can remember. But not by me.

 

[GoesStation]

I'm pretty sure I used it a few times back in the sixties, when I was ten or twelve. In other words, it's been around for my whole life.

 

[SoothingDave]

It means "hugs and kisses." X stands for two faces in profile with their lips touching. O stands for the circle your arms make around someone.

It's been used freely for as long as I can remember. But not by me.

I never heard any explanation for why x was kiss and o was hug.

 

[PeterCW]

I never heard any explanation for why x was kiss and o was hug.

I have no idea why "x" stands for a kiss but it has been in use for generations longer.

 

[jutfrank]

Here's a little reading practice for everyone:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugs_...custom of placing,display of their sworn oath.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

I have no idea why "x" stands for a kiss but it has been in use for generations longer.

As I say, it's two gender-non-specific people in profile.

 

[tree123]

And dot your i's with little circles.

Would you please explain what you mean? I don't understand?

 

[GoesStation]

As I say, it's two gender-non-specific people in profile.

Wikipedia says it originated in the fourteenth century, if I remember right, as the Christian cross, sealed with a reverent kiss. It rotated and lost its religious significance over the centuries.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Wikipedia says it originated in the fourteenth century, if I remember right, as the Christian cross, sealed with a reverent kiss. It rotated and lost its religious significance over the centuries.

Yup. I saw that. As you say, it means something different now.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Would you please explain what you mean? I don't understand.

The same people who cutely sign letters xoxo often dot their i's with cute circles instead of dots. (See post #3.)

 

[SoothingDave]

Or hearts.