What Does XX Mean in Texting?
XX in texting means kisses — a warm, friendly sign-off. Learn what XX stands for, the difference from XO, and how to use it appropriately.
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Quick answer
XX represents kisses, with each 'X' standing for a kiss. It's a warm, affectionate way to end a text, common in British and friendly messaging.
What Does XX Mean?
XX represents kisses — each “X” stands for one kiss. It’s an affectionate, friendly sign-off added to the end of a text to convey warmth, similar to ending a letter with “love” or a little heart.
It’s especially common in British and Commonwealth texting, where adding an “x” or “xx” to messages is a casual, everyday habit.
Origin of XX
The X as a symbol for a kiss has a long history, often traced back to medieval times. People who couldn’t write would sign documents with an X, then kiss the mark to show sincerity and good faith. Over time, the X came to symbolize a kiss at the end of letters.
Texting carried this tradition forward, with one or more X’s becoming a quick, affectionate sign-off.
How XX Is Used
XX usually appears at the end of a message:
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ”see you soon xx” | A warm goodbye |
| ”thanks so much xx” | Friendly gratitude |
| ”miss you x” | A single, gentle kiss |
| ”love you xxx” | Extra affection (three kisses) |
The number of X’s loosely signals warmth — more X’s, more affection.
XX vs. XO and XOXO
| Term | Meaning | Components |
|---|---|---|
| X | One kiss | Single kiss |
| XX | Two kisses | Kisses only |
| XO | Hug and kiss | O = hug, X = kiss |
| XOXO | Hugs and kisses | Alternating hugs and kisses |
The key difference: O means a hug. So XX is kisses only, while XOXO mixes in hugs.
How to Respond to XX
A simple, warm reply works:
- “xx” back
- “see you! x”
- “love you too ❤️”
- Or just continue the conversation naturally
In British texting, returning an “x” or “xx” is a normal, friendly courtesy and doesn’t carry heavy meaning.
Is XX Appropriate to Use?
XX is best for casual, affectionate messages with friends, family, and partners. In the UK it’s used very freely and often platonically, but elsewhere it can read as more intimate, so consider your relationship and the reader. Keep it out of professional or formal messages, where a plain sign-off is more suitable. Among people you’re close to, XX is a sweet, easy way to add warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does XX mean in texting?
XX represents kisses, with each X being one kiss. It's an affectionate sign-off used to add warmth at the end of a message, popular in the UK and among friends.
What is the difference between XX and XOXO?
XX means kisses (each X is a kiss). XOXO means hugs and kisses, where O is a hug and X is a kiss. XOXO adds the hug element that XX leaves out.
Does XX mean someone likes you romantically?
Not necessarily. XX is often just friendly, especially in British texting where it's used casually. More X's or paired with affectionate words can suggest stronger feelings.
Why does X mean a kiss?
The tradition dates back centuries, when people unable to write signed documents with an X and kissed it to show sincerity. The X came to symbolize a kiss in letters.
Is it okay to use XX in professional messages?
Generally no. XX is affectionate and casual, so it's best kept to texts with friends, family, or partners. In professional contexts, a plain sign-off is more appropriate.