Slang – Xmas
What Does “Xmas” Mean?
Meaning — Christmas. Xmas is an abbreviation of Christmas.
Xmas is an informal expression and, as such, should not be used in formal situations — save it for texts, social media, or casual signs rather than official letters or greetings.
Where Does “Xmas” Come From?
It’s not just a modern typing shortcut. The “X” comes from the Greek letter Chi (Χ), the first letter of “Christ” (Χριστός) in Greek. Writers and scribes have used “X” to represent “Christ” for centuries — you’ll find “Xmas” and similar abbreviations in English texts dating back hundreds of years. Read more at Etymonline.
Example
“Which song do you think will be number one for Xmas?”
“We’re hosting the family this Xmas.”
What is slang?
Slang is very informal language. It’s usually spoken rather than written, and is often used by a particular group of people or in a particular place. Slang changes over time, and using it well is a great way to sound more natural when speaking English.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Xmas” is an informal, shortened way of writing “Christmas.”
The “X” comes from the Greek letter Chi (Χ), the first letter of “Christ” (Χριστός) in Greek. This abbreviation has been used for centuries, long before it became a casual, modern shorthand.
Not historically — it has genuine religious roots. Today it’s simply seen as informal, so it’s best used in casual writing (texts, social media, signs) rather than formal documents or greetings.
Test Yourself
Discuss:
Do you use “Xmas” or always write “Christmas” in full? Tell us on X — @EnglishStudy.
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