


Some theory suggests that the letter itself resembles two people kissing with the symbols > and < meeting like a kiss, creating the symbol X. In 1763, the X symbol for kiss was mentioned in the Oxford English Dictionary and used by Winston Churchill in 1894 when he signed a letter. In informal language, some use the letter X when referring to their ex-spouse or girlfriend. In technical use, the letter X is often a shorthand version of a longer prefix ex, commonly used to describe former relationships, such as ex-husband, ex-friend, ex-band, or ex-CEO. In some context, the symbol of X signifies an entity whose existence is over, past, and gone. For instance, it’s used to indicate wrong answer, especially on an exam, as well as a cancellation that requires a do-over. Most of the time, the X symbol is used for the concept of error and rejection. It’s likely one of the reasons why the X symbol gained a macabre relationship with death. Later, both skull-and-crossbones and X symbol on an orange background became the standard for labeling harmful and toxic substances throughout Europe. While the crossbones first became associated with pirates, on the Jolly Roger insignia, they became a generalized hazard warning by the end of the 19th century. Some associate the X symbol with the overlapping femurs or the skull-and-crossbones that signify danger and death. Nowadays, we use it to indicate a choice, be it on an exam or ballot, though the same symbol is used for marking the scene of a crime in photographs, or plans. Sometimes, it also marks the portion where a document should be dated or signed. In modern uses, X is regarded as a universal signature for those who can’t read or write, indicating their identity, or agreement on a contract or document. It can also be used to mark the place where skydivers should land, or where actors should be on a stage. In fiction, it’s commonly found on treasure maps, showing where the hidden treasure is buried. Sometimes, the X symbol is used for labeling specific locations or destinations on maps and meeting places, leading to the expression x marks the spot. In some contexts, it’s also used for confidential documents, thing, person, or place. In the English language, it’s commonly used to describe something vague, such as Brand X, or to signify a mysterious person, such as Mr. In algebra, we’re often asked to solve x as a variable or a value that’s not yet known. In general, the X symbol is used to denote something mysterious or unknown, meant to be solved. Here are some of the meanings of the symbol, along with its usage in various contexts: Symbol of the Unknown It can have mystical significance, as well as scientific, or linguistic importance. The X symbol has diverse meanings, representing the unknown, secrecy, danger, and the end.
