What XO Means and How to Use It

PDF download Download Article
Your guide to this sweet and affectionate acronym
PDF download Download Article

If you’ve ever experienced Valentine’s Day, you’re probably familiar with the term XO. This acronym stands for “hugs and kisses,” and it’s a common way to express sincerity and affection to loved ones. If you want to learn more about what XO means, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll go over its definition and origins and provide examples of how to use it in letters, texts, or social media posts. We’ll also cover how to respond when someone you like texts you XO, so keep reading!

Things You Should Know

  • XO stands for “hugs and kisses.” The X represents kisses, and the O represents hugs.
  • It’s typically used to express affection, romantic love, or deep friendship.
  • XO is a common sign-off at the end of handwritten letters or birthday cards. It’s also used as a shorthand way of expressing love on social media or in text messages.
Section 1 of 5:

What does XO mean?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Xo-Meaning-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Xo-Meaning-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Xo-Meaning-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Xo-Meaning-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's technically an acronym, with the X representing kisses, and the O representing hugs. XO is a common way to express love and sincerity in cards, letters, texts, or social media posts. Though it’s commonly used in a romantic context, it can also be used to express familial love or deep friendship. [1]
    • XOXO is a popular way to “sign-off” at the end of affectionate letters or messages. [2]
    • It’s also a common term in popular culture, from the TV show Gossip Girl ’s iconic line, “XOXO, Gossip Girl,” to Beyonce’s hit song “XO.” [3]
    • The acronym is also featured in the name of XO Records, a record label founded by popular Canadian musician, The Weeknd. [4]
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 5:

Where did XO come from?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Xo-Meaning-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Xo-Meaning-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Xo-Meaning-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Xo-Meaning-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Because many people couldn’t read or write, they would sign an “X” on official documents, rather than their name. The signer would then kiss the X to represent sincerity and trustworthiness—essentially “sealing it with a kiss.” Over time, this may have led to the letter X representing kisses. [5]
    • However, our modern use of the term “XOXO” as hugs and kisses didn't come about until the 1960’s. [6]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Xo-Meaning-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Xo-Meaning-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Xo-Meaning-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Xo-Meaning-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Its origin is a bit murkier than X’s, but some believe that O came to stand for “hugs” because its round shape looks like two arms wrapping around someone. Another theory is that O evolved to represent hugs because X already stood for kisses, and the two letters were associated with each other due to the game tic-tac-toe. [7]
    3. Advertisement
Section 3 of 5:

How to Use XO

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Xo-Meaning-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Xo-Meaning-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Xo-Meaning-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Xo-Meaning-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Whether you’re writing a love letter to your significant other or a birthday card for a close friend, end your letter with a couple X’s and O’s to show your sincerity and affection. Here are some examples:
    • “My love, every day with you is an adventure. I feel so lucky to have someone as amazing as you in my life. Happy anniversary, and here’s to many more! XOXO, [your name].”
    • “Happy birthday to the best friend in the whole world! I’m so excited to celebrate with you tonight. Thank you for being you! XO, [your name].”
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Xo-Meaning-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Xo-Meaning-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Xo-Meaning-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Xo-Meaning-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re sending a heartfelt text to someone, add XO to express your love. [8] It can be platonic or familial if you're texting a friend or family member, but it can also be a great way to make things flirty if you’re texting your crush . Here are a few examples:
    • To a friend : “Just texting to say I miss you a ton. We should grab coffee soon! xoxo”
    • To a family member : “Thank you for always being there for me, Mom! I was stressed out today, but I feel so much better after we talked. Love you! xo”
    • To a crush : “I had so much fun hanging out with you today. I can’t wait to see you again! xoxo”
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Xo-Meaning-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Xo-Meaning-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Xo-Meaning-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Xo-Meaning-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re posting a photo or video of someone you love on social media, “XO” or “XOXO” could be the perfect caption! [9] It’s a cute, shorthand way to express your love and affection. Here are a few examples:
    • If you post a photo of a friend on their birthday, you could caption it: “Happy birthday to the best friend in the world! xoxo"
    • Or, if you post a photo of your significant other for your anniversary, you could caption it: “Happy anniversary to my love! xoxo”
    4. Advertisement
Section 4 of 5:

How to Respond to XO

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/83\/Xo-Meaning-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Xo-Meaning-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/83\/Xo-Meaning-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Xo-Meaning-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    XO is a common way to signal romantic affection, so if your crush sends it to you in a text message, it could definitely be a sign that they like you back ! To keep this romantic energy going, send something affectionate or flirty in return. You can even throw in a few cute emojis too.
    • Them : I had a great time today! Sleep well, xoxo
      You : Me too! Can’t wait to see you again🥰💘
    • Them : Just wanted to say I think you’re amazing, and I’m so glad we met! xo
      You : I feel the exact same way 😍👩‍❤️‍👩
    • Them : Thinking of you💗 Do you want to go to the movies this weekend? xoxo
      You : Yes, I would love to! Name the time and place😘
Section 5 of 5:

Meaning of XO in the Military

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Xo-Meaning-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Xo-Meaning-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Xo-Meaning-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Xo-Meaning-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    An executive officer is the second-in-command to a commanding officer. [10] If you’ve come across the acronym XO, but you’re pretty sure it isn’t referring to “hugs and kisses,” it could be referring to this military position. [11]
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      2 Easy Ways to Import Twitter (X) to Bluesky
      How to
      Watch TikTok Content Without Having to Install the App
      How to
      Find Out Who Owns an Instagram Account
      3 Simple Ways to Tell if Someone Has Snapchat Plus
      How to
      See Deleted Tweets of Your Own or Others
      Explaining Whether You Look Like Your Inverted or Mirror Image
      What Does <3 Mean on Social Media?
      How to
      React When Someone Blocks You
      What Happens When You Block Someone on IG: Will They Know?
      8 Easy Ways to Fix Instagram Invite Collaborator Not Showing
      This Story is Unavailable Instagram: 9 Reasons & Fixes
      100 Cute, Funny, and Hype Comments for Social Media Posts
      Simple Ways to Unfollow on TikTok: Unfollowing Limits & Fixes
      How to
      Half Swipe on Snapchat to Read Messages Secretly
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/xoxo-meaning/
      2. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/hugs-and-kisses/
      3. ↑ https://www.womenshealthmag.com/sex-and-love/a44712215/what-does-xoxo-mean/
      4. ↑ https://www.universalmusic.com/label/republic-records
      5. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/xoxo-meaning/
      6. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/xoxo-meaning/
      7. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/xoxo-meaning/
      8. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/hugs-and-kisses/
      9. ↑ https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/xoxo
      1. ↑ https://www.militaryonesource.mil/relationships/support-community/common-military-acronyms/
      2. ↑ https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/xo

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 22,324 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement