Hugs and Kisses - XOXO

These days hugs and kisses or XOXO is a term used for expressing affection or good friendship at the end of a written letter, email or text message, the 'X' is used to signify a kiss and 'O' is used to signify a hug.

The use of 'X' to signify a kiss dates back to as early as the 1700's. In the middle Ages, many people who were unable to read or write often signed documents using an X. Kissing the X represented an oath to fulfill obligations specified in the documents, so the X and the kiss eventually became synonymous with each other.

No one really seems to know how the ‘O’ originated, perhaps the 'O' being rounded represents arms encircling another, as in an embrace.