XO

What Does XO Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

XO means "Hugs & Kisses" and "Executive Officer." It is also the name of as Canadian record label.

Hugs & Kisses

XO is widely used in written and typed messages with the meaning "Hugs & Kisses." In this context, XO is typically used as an affectionate salutation at the end of a message between friends or family members. However, it may also be used by intimate partners. The origins of the use of XO to mean "Hugs & Kisses" are unclear. The letter "X" is well established in the English-speaking world as meaning "Kiss," but the use of "O" to mean "Hug" seems to be a relatively recent development. In any case, "Hugs & Kisses" should, of course, be abbreviated as OX. (XO should mean "Kisses & Hugs.")

"Hugs & Kisses" can also be abbreviated as:

• H&K.
• HAK.
• HNK.
• XOXO.

In 2013, American artist Beyonce released a song called XO (meaning "Hugs & Kisses"):

Record Label

XO is also the name of a Canadian record label, founded in 2011, by singer The Weekend (Abel Makkonen Tesfaye). Artists signed to XO have enjoyed considerable success on the Billboard 200. The label now represents (or has represented) acts such as, Derek Wise, The Weekend, Belly, La Mar Taylor and Nav.

Executive Officer

In military circles, the abbreviation XO is used with the meaning "Executive Officer." The XO is the primary assistant to the CO (Commanding Officer) and is typically responsible for the administration of a unit or ship.

Image for XO

When I write XO, I mean this:

XO also means "Executive Officer" and is the name of a Canadian record label.

First Definition for XO

"Hugs & Kisses" is, by far, the most common meaning for XO when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

XO
Definition:	Hugs & Kisses
Type:	Icon
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Second Definition for XO

XO is also the name of a Canadian record label.

XO
Definition:	Canadian Record Label
Type:	Icon
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Third Definition for XO

"Executive Officer" is the most common definition for XO in military circles.

XO
Definition:	Executive Officer
Type:	Icon
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Specialists

Examples of XO in Sentences

Here are examples of XO in conversations:

• Joni: Really looking forward to seeing you at the weekend. XO.
(Here, XO means "Hugs & Kisses.")

• Soldier: Excuse me Sergeant, can I get a pass at the end of next month? I have to go to my nephew's bar mitzvah.
• Sergeant: We are on maneuvers all next month. You will have to speak to the XO.
(Here, XO means "Executive Officer.")

An Academic Look at XO

When used with the meaning "Hugs & Kisses," XO is an icon, i.e., a symbol that represents something. Basically, it's a picture. Other examples of icons are:

• (: (Happy).
• (_8_^_(I) (Homer Simpson).
• (^^^) (Shark).

When used with the meaning "Executive Officer," XO is almost an initialism abbreviation. However, as the letter "X" in English is actually pronounced "Ex," the initial "E" of "Executive" has been dropped in favor of the slicker sounding "X".

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

The use of XO to mean both "Hugs & Kisses" and "Executive Officer" predates the digital era.

Example of XO Used in a Text

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