Slang dictionary
XXXX
or xxxx
[eks-eks-eks-eks] or [fohr eks] or [kis kis kis kis]
What 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.
Where does XXXX come from?
Examples of XXXX
Who uses XXXX?
XXXX is used globally, primarily in electronic communications like text messages and emails, to represent kisses or, more generally, mark an affectionate, loving, goodbye.
In the English-speaking world, XXXX is more prevalent (and especially as XX) in the UK, Australia, and Ireland than in the US and Canada. While not necessarily romantic, it is familiar and often familial, inappropriate in professional contexts.
People tend to avoid XXX when communicating “kisses,” as the letters are associated with pornography. Sometimes, XXXX can signify pornographic content that bills itself as extra-explicit.
Some users pronounce XXXX as “kiss kiss kiss kiss.”
XXXX can also be a form of censorship, replacing four-letter swear words in online communities with policies against swearing. It’s also sometimes used to redact unoffensive text, such as the last four digits of phone numbers (mostly in the US and Canada) or PIN numbers.
Note
This is not meant to be a formal definition of XXXX like most terms we define on Dictionary.com, but is rather an informal word summary that hopefully touches upon the key aspects of the meaning and usage of XXXX that will help our users expand their word mastery.