XO
3 synonyms for XO, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Abbreviation — Hugs and kisses, written at the end of a message, card or letter as an affectionate sign-off, with X standing for a kiss and O for a hug.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
xoxo
hugs and kisses
How to use XO
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
xo, love
signed xo
XO cognac
the ship's XO
Sign-off use is informal and much more common in writing from women, though not exclusively so. The cognac and military senses are unrelated and context makes them obvious.
Etymology
In the sign-off sense, from the written symbols X for a kiss and O for a hug; in the brandy sense, an abbreviation of extra old.
Full origin of XO →Frequently asked questions
Does the X mean a kiss or a hug?
X is the kiss and O is the hug. The X is the older of the two symbols in letter-writing; the O was added later to pair with it.
What is the difference between XO and XOXO?
They mean the same thing — kisses and hugs — but XOXO is warmer and more emphatic, being simply the pair repeated. XO is the lighter, more everyday sign-off.
Can you send XO to a friend?
Yes. It is common between friends and family, especially in messages and cards, and does not have to be romantic. Whether it reads as flirtatious depends entirely on the relationship.
