X: The Strongest Letter in the Alphabet?
Have you ever thought about how often we use the letter "X" each day?
From math to maps, and from voting to kissing, no other letter can be used in so many different situations and mean so many different things. It has even (very suddenly) become the name of a major social media network.
It's time to introduce your students to the amazing range of this member of the alphabet.
This article will explore X's main uses and also cover the different ways it can be read or pronounced depending on where it's found. Let's begin!
X can equal...
A place on a map
There are many adventure movies and books in which the main characters are searching for a treasure that has been hidden for years. Usually, there will be a special map that leads the hero to a mysterious place where they can finally discover the riches no one else could find.
On maps like these, the spot where the treasure is waiting is often marked with a big X. It's similar to the red marker on a Google map pointing to a destination.
Be sure to mention that this usage is linked to the popular expression “X marks the spot."
A mysterious or unknown person
X is often used when someone’s identity is unknown or is being kept secret. In this case, its usage is similar to a question mark.
She's meeting Mr. X tonight. She won't tell us who it is.
There will be a special appearance by "Artist X" at the show. You'll have to come to find out who it is!
In some situations, having an X for a name represents danger or power. That’s why there are many films, books, comics and video games in which either the hero or the villain is named “Mr. X” or something similar.
A film rating
The movie rating system in the US uses letters and letter-number combinations to indicate the kind of content a film contains. The most common are G, PG, PG-13 and R. These go from "General" films, which are OK for everyone to watch, to "Restricted" movies that are best for adults only.
However, originally there was another rating above R: X!
X-rated films often featured scenes of extreme violence or sexual content. Some movie studios even promoted their films as double or triple X to get audiences' attention.
Though this rating is not officially used anymore, you can still find movies today that are marketed with this "dirty" letter.
An error
A very common usage of X is as a sign for an error, and this usage can appear in many different places.
For example, a teacher grading student assignments may write an X next to an incorrect answer. We can also see Xs on road signs to indicate that a street is closed or to signal to drivers that they are going in the wrong direction.
Similarly, even if there is no error, X is often used in many types of software to go backward or to close a menu.
A kiss
A common way to end a letter or text message to someone we have a close relationship with is with an X, which represents a kiss. (The shape of the letter is a little like lips pressed together in a kissing position.) This kiss can be either friendly or romantic, depending on the people in the conversation and the situation.
X kisses are often used together with "O," which represents a hug. So "XOXO" spoken aloud would be "hugs and kisses" even though the order of the letters is reversed.
And more!
The multiplication symbol
In mathematics, an "x" represents multiplication. When used this way, it is pronounced "times." For example, the equation 4 x 2 = 8 would be read as "Four times two equals eight."
Measurements
When measuring the different sides of an object, we use x to separate the different number values. This usage is pronounced "by."
An A4 piece of paper is about 8" x 11." ("eight by eleven inches")
An unknown amount
In more advanced mathematics and even in daily conversation, x represents an unknown number or amount.
2x - 5 = 17
We can only stay for X days before we run out of money.
“Sign here”
On contracts and other important documents, an X often indicates the area where one signs their name. It is usually at the bottom of the page, but not always.
10
"X" is the Roman numeral for the number 10. This is commonly used even in the modern day.
For example, the operating system for Apple computers after OS 9 was Mac OS X, and the tenth film in the Fast & Furious series of action movies is called Fast X.
A vote
When there is an election and a need to choose between different people or plans of action, it's common to write either a check mark or an X next to a selection.
Death
In comics and other drawings, Xs over the eyes of a character often means that character is dead.
Differences in pronunciation
Students should know that X is pronounced differently depending on its position in a word.
Normally, it sounds like ks, like in "fox," "complex" or "experience." But there are some words that begin with X, and in these cases, it's pronounced like a "Z."
Most of these Z-type words are very scientific and are not useful in daily conversation, but some common examples are "xylophone," a kind of musical instrument, and "xenophobia," which is a fear or hatred of people from other countries or cultures.
Wrap-up
What other letter is as versatile as X? With all of the uses we've introduced here, there is sure to be some information that your students find new and useful.
The meanings we've covered in this article are all common in the US and other English-speaking countries, but that doesn't mean it is the same everywhere. Ask your student if X has different or additional meanings in their country.
