Wednesday 26 December 2012

X is (not) for Xmas


I suspect Xmas will be a popular choice today. It is one of those words that people get very worked up about. It does look like a modern word but its usage goes back to at least the 16th century. It is shorthand for Christ, and although we mainly see it used now as in the word 'Christmas' it has been used as an abbreviated form of other words such as xtian and xianity. I think the vital point is to pronounce it as Christ and not Ex.
Taking part in ABC Wednesday

10 comments:

  1. I personally do not have a problem with the word Xmas. I am rather more peeved with people forgetting the real meaning. Thats one of the reasons I so love Dickens, it should be about goodwill to all men.

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  2. Xcellent framing on BoXing Day Deb ;-)

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  3. I love the shot and a great take on X.

    I'm visiting for the ABC Wed. Team but don't have a new post this week since last week I did W and X as one post. Carver, ABC Wed. Team

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  4. I'm Xcted about your Xplanation of Xmas, which I believe goes back even longer. X for Christ, certainly, nearly a millennium.

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  5. Safe bet ~ Xmas ~ Mine is Xmas also ~ Father Xmas ~ Happy Holidays to you ^_^

    (A Creative Harbor aka artmusedog and Carol ^_^)

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  6. Nice shot of this ice sculpture!

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  7. I posted about XMAS too. I know its meaning but it really bothers me to use it.
    Great explanation.

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  8. We are of the same mind this week! I did the same thing, explaining the X in Xmas!

    Leslie
    abcw team

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  9. I couldn't agree more! I hope you had a good Christmas!

    eXpedition

    Happy Holidays!
    Rose, ABC Wednesday Team

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  10. Didn't know about the etymological history of X for Christ. Love learning about the history of words. Love your town. Love this post.

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