Greek Traditions Community

This is the meaning of the abbreviation "xmas"

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nadellii

nadellii

Active member
Many think that the “X” in xmas actually doesn’t replace “Christ” in “Christmas”, but is actually an abbreviation. The Greek word for Christ is Χριστός (Christos) and English speakers appear to have been using “X” to abbreviate Christ for quite some time. However, whether or not this is actually the case has been under debate for quite some time.
 
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I always wondered what this meant... thanks
 
Please do not use X to replace Christ in Christmas. I find it really offensive. Not sure if the abbreviation comes from people being lazy, inexpensive or for whatever reason. My opion is X must not replace Christ in Christmas. Patisqua
 
nadellii said:
Many think that the “X” in xmas actually doesn’t replace “Christ” in “Christmas”, but is actually an abbreviation. The Greek word for Christ is Χριστός (Christos) and English speakers appear to have been using “X” to abbreviate Christ for quite some time. However, whether or not this is actually the case has been under debate for quite some time.
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Yes it is! I had always thought the "X" removed Christ from Christmas, and I even gave a speech about it at church one year (Oratorical Festival). My speech was good, but as it turns out, I was actually wrong! I only just learned about this like a few years ago. I don't think a lot of people realize. Thank you for sharing!
 
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