1459: X Dec 9, 2018

The letter X is used for many different purposes. It has a long history of use in algebra, as well as for abbreviations for 'christ', talked about more following the link here. There is some discussions as to where X as an abbreviation for kisses came from, but generally it is thought to be from the same root of ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ as the Greek for Christ, which would be written on the end of letters and then kissed to display an oath. The practice has since moved away from its Christian roots, but the letter—and its general symbolism—remains.


This is the 4th anniversary of Word Facts after over 1,400 posts and 21 public videos. Check out the one out today here: https://youtu.be/qyOUlO5ipio. Please like share and subscribe

Previous
Previous

Language Families of the Future

Next
Next

1458: World Record for Vowels Controversy Dec 8, 2018