This sunset caught my eye because of the contrail “X” and the “O” of the sun. It made me think of the way we sometimes sign cards and letters – XOXOX. I started to wonder, after all this time, which one was really the hug, and which was the kiss. So I Googled Xs and Os and found an article explained it all, sort of.
There is much debate on whether X's represent hugs or kisses. Some argue that X's represent kisses, but due to the "hugs and kisses" paradigm, some contend that 'X' is in fact lined up with the 'hug' and 'O' with the kiss. Also, arms crossing while hugging indicate an X while puckered lips form an O. Nevertheless, this proposition is contradicted by the Oxford English Dictionary, which states that 'X' is "used to represent a kiss, esp. in the subscription to a letter." The Shawks Inc. encyclopedia, an authority in urban lingo, has it that the 'O' represents a hug, and the 'X' a kiss, with the explanation that if you look at each letter like it was representing two people from a bird's eye view, the "O" represents the arms of those persons hugging each other while the "X" is evocative of two people kissing. (Wikipedia)
So now we know (I think). Have a great Skywatch, everybody!!
XOXOX,
Deb
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28 comments:
I didn't know that about the X & O's. Great photo also!!
Gill in Southern Ontario
Beautiful beautiful shot Deborah, the colors are fantastic and the contrails look like comets in the sky.
Have a great weekend!
Guy
Regina In Pictures
That was a great piece of info. I always thought it was x for kiss and o for hugs. Actually, the picture make me think of Tic Tac Toe.
Kat
P.S. The latest BFtP is up.
Great shot.
I love that you shared that. I have a dear friend that we always end our conversations with xoxo. It's nice to know all that. Beautiful pastel colors! Love your x's and o!!!
Fabulous shot, Deb, as always! Love the x and o. And I love the explanation! What did we ever do without wikipedia???
Thanks for taking the time to enlighten us - great shot.
It doesn't matter which is which. Both are represented in the beautiful sky.
But I knew Deborah's agile mind would send her on a search for the answer. You are fun!
Firstly, I really like the photo.
Secondly, thank you for explaining Xs and Os. Good information!
well that makes sense, I never wondered which was which and now I know.
Oh a hug and a kiss would work for me. Just beautiful.
This is an amazing shot. The colors of the sky make it look like a painting. Did you do that:)
Whoever thought that hugs and kisses could be so controversial!
Your photo, however, defies controversy. It is, without debate, perfect.
Clover post!
Gorgoues sky photos Deborah. I love the fact that all I can see is water and not the familiar ice I was so used to seeing!
Great sky. I have to admit I think from your descriptions that the X should be the hug and the O the kiss.
Okay,that was an interesting lesson on hugs and kisses with a perfect backdrop. :)
You always come up with the most interesting lessons!
I never thought of that. Interesting point, and great photo.
What an interesting post, per usual. This is a great shot, D. You have a sharp eye with the camera and a keen imagination. XOXOO
That's a great hug and kiss there Deborah :) Lovely photo. You know, I believe the Great Lakes are one of the world great wonders and a beautiful resource for all of us.
I like your blog - very nice :)
Deb
teaand photos
aka another great lake lady
XOXOXOXO
Awesome photo! X's and O's, doesn't matter which is which... it's the thought that counts.
My Skywatch:
Full Moon Sunset
So pretty, happy spring from one Motown mama to another:)
Nice story--great pic!
I like that story. You're great, Deb!
I love this one. We get lots of cross hatching in the sky here. There seems to be one sky way up there that is busy all the time.
Where in the rockies did you live? Just read your about me.
This is so beautiful...I love the soft colors of it.
superb capture!
interesting post on xox too!
Fun shot. I like the way the plane is coming zooming in from the top, as if eager to join the show.
Very creative post sure to provoke a discussion! I agree with the last idea, hugs are "O's" and "X" is a kiss!
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