adjective

XXX

ehks-ehks-EHKS

adjective

Marking content as explicit or hardcore pornographic material.

"The video store had a separate xxx section in the back."

noun

Informally, a symbol for kisses, often placed at the end of a text message or letter.

"She signed off the text with "see you soon, xxx.""

How to Use XXX

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither a label for explicit adult content, or informal shorthand for "kisses" at the end of a message.

When to use it

Very informal in both senses — never used in formal writing.

Word Forms

more XXX comparative, more XXX comparative, XXXed past tense, XXXs plural, XXXes singular, most XXX superlative, most XXX superlative

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The video store had a separate _____ section in the back.

Etymology

The pornography sense comes from the US film rating "X," introduced in 1968 for adult content; posters exaggerated it to "XXX" to imply something even more extreme. The "kisses" sense is unrelated, from the letter X historically representing a kiss on letters.