XXXX

American  

[fawr-eks, eks-eks-eks-eks, kwod-roo-pleks, kwo-droo-pleks] / ˈfɔrˈɛks, ˈɛksˌɛksˌɛksˈɛks, ˈkwɒd rʊˌplɛks, kwɒˈdru plɛks /

Symbol.

1. Sometimes 4X extra-fine confectioners' sugar.

2. Chiefly British. (used to replace or obscure vulgar words that are four letters in length).

   One angry online review said the hamburgers there are overpriced and taste “like XXXX.”

3. XXX (used especially on the internet to refer to hard-core pornography).

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Usage

What else does XXXX mean? In letters and text messages, XXXX symbolizes a series of kisses, used as an affectionate sign-off or goodbye.It's sometimes used to censor vulgar words or as filler text for unknown characters.

Etymology

Origin of XXXX

First recorded in 1985–90 XXXX for def. 2; from the proprietary name of a brand of Australian beer, Castlemaine XXXX, with reduplicated X originally indicating the relative alcoholic content of the beer, later used to indicate an unknown, deleted, or suppressed word or name. This use of XXXX was popularized by a 1985 ad campaign, “Australians wouldn't give a XXXX for any other lager”

Example Sentences

Steve Jobs, who helped make personal computers as easy to use as telephones, changed the way animated films are made, persuaded consumers to tune into digital music and refashioned the mobile phone, has XXXX.

From The Guardian • Apr. 19, 2013

The bill, as signed by the president in August, says, “This Act may be cited as the ‘XXXXXXX Act of XXXX.’

From New York Times • Dec. 5, 2010

But in England, when everyone was choosing their side, mine was always XXXX.

From The Guardian • Aug. 9, 2010

That's especially true of XXXX, yearning to breathe more rarefied air.

From Time Magazine Archive

These are made from granulated or other coarse sugar, while the uncooked ones are made from XXXX, or confectioners', sugar, as it is sometimes called.

From Woman's Institute Library of Cookery Volume 5: Fruit and Fruit Desserts; Canning and Drying; Jelly Making, Preserving and Pickling; Confections; Beverages; the Planning of Meals by Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences