XD
XD is an emoticon consisting of the characters "X" and "D", visually depicting a face with squinted or closed eyes and an open mouth to symbolize intense laughter or amusement in text-based digital interactions.[1][2]Emerging in the late 1990s or early 2000s amid the rise of internet relay chat (IRC) rooms and early messaging platforms like MSN Messenger, XD served as a precursor to modern emojis, allowing users to convey exaggerated hilarity without verbal description.[1][3]
Its simplicity facilitated widespread adoption in online forums, gaming communities, and social media during the pre-smartphone era, though usage has declined with the proliferation of graphical alternatives like 😂, often evoking nostalgia among early internet users.[4][5][6]
Internet slang and emoticons
XD emoticon
The XD emoticon is a sideways text-based representation of a laughing face, with the "X" symbolizing squinted or closed eyes and the "D" depicting an open-mouthed grin, evoking intense amusement or hilarity.[1] It functions equivalently to acronyms like "LOL" (laugh out loud), signaling that the preceding statement or event is perceived as comical.[7] The design mimics a human face rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise, distinguishing it from simpler emoticons like ":D," by implying harder laughter through the "X" element.[3] XD originated in early internet chat environments, such as IRC channels and early online forums, during the late 1990s or early 2000s, predating widespread emoji adoption.[1] The earliest documented definition appears in Urban Dictionary on March 29, 2003, where it was described as a "laughing face," reflecting its rapid integration into digital communication by that time.[7] No single inventor is credited, as it emerged organically from ASCII art traditions in text-only interfaces like MSN Messenger, where users combined keyboard characters to convey emotions beyond plain text.[3] In usage, XD typically concludes sentences or responses to indicate genuine or exaggerated laughter, often in informal contexts like gaming chats, social media, or memes. For instance, a user might append it to a self-deprecating joke: "I tripped over my own feet XD."[1] Variations include lowercase "xd" for casual irony or emphasis on nonchalance, which gained traction around 2010s in ironic online communities, though this shift stems more from stylistic trends than semantic change.[8] Despite the rise of graphical emojis like 😂 (face with tears of joy), XD persists in text-heavy platforms, particularly among users favoring retro internet aesthetics or where emoji rendering is inconsistent.[7] Its simplicity ensures compatibility across devices, contributing to enduring adoption in global online discourse.Media and entertainment
Disney XD
Disney XD is a specialty pay television network owned by the Walt Disney Television division of The Walt Disney Company, primarily targeting boys aged 6 to 14 with programming emphasizing action-adventure, comedy, animation, and sports-themed content. Launched in the United States on February 13, 2009, it replaced the existing Toon Disney channel, which had focused more narrowly on animated series. The rebranding was announced on August 6, 2008, as part of Disney's strategy to address a perceived gap in boys-oriented content amid the female-skewing appeal of Disney Channel.[9] The network's core demographic includes children aged 6 to 14, with a hyper-focus on boys aged 7 to 11, delivering live-action series, animated shows, and original productions designed to engage through high-energy narratives and male-centric themes. Early programming included the premiere of the animated series Phineas and Ferb and the live-action adventure Aaron Stone, which debuted as flagship originals to differentiate from Disney Channel's tween-girl focus. Over time, Disney XD expanded to include acquired content like anime imports and sports blocks, but original production declined after 2015, with new series shifting toward Disney Channel crossovers by 2019. Ratings peaked in the early 2010s, with 2015 delivering near-record viewership among boys 6-11 (113,000 average in primetime), but fell 44% in 2024 compared to 2023 amid cord-cutting trends.[10][11][12] Internationally, Disney XD variants launched in markets like the UK (replacing Jetix in 2009) and expanded to over 20 countries, adapting local programming while retaining the boy-targeted format. However, since 2019, most international feeds have closed or rebranded, prioritizing Disney Channel consolidation and Disney+ streaming launches; examples include shutdowns in Australia and New Zealand (January 2019), Italy (May 2020), and Belgium (April 2020). As of September 2025, active channels remain only in the United States and Poland, with Canada's version ceasing operations on September 1, 2025, due to distributor Corus Entertainment's financial pressures and expiring licenses.[13][14]Cinemark XD
Cinemark XD, short for Extreme Digital Cinema, is a proprietary premium large-format screening format offered by Cinemark Theatres, emphasizing enhanced visual and auditory immersion through specialized auditorium design and technology.[15] It features wall-to-wall screens that extend from ceiling to floor, paired with high-resolution digital projection systems capable of rendering over 35 trillion colors for vivid image quality.[16] Cinemark introduced XD in 2009 as part of its effort to elevate the theatrical experience beyond standard digital cinemas, with early installations in multiplexes like the Century San Francisco Theatre.[17] By 2010, Cinemark expanded XD auditoriums to locations such as Plano, Texas, and Orange, California, incorporating plush seating and acoustically optimized perforated walls to distribute sound evenly.[18] The format employs advanced projection technologies, including Barco laser systems in updated installations, which deliver brighter, higher-contrast images compared to traditional xenon lamps, supporting formats like RealD 3D for stereoscopic viewing.[19] Audio is provided via 11.1-channel multi-layered digital surround sound, creating directional and overhead effects that align with on-screen action, often certified to THX standards for fidelity to filmmakers' intent.[20] Auditoriums are engineered for minimal distractions, with tiered seating arrangements and integrated environmental controls to maintain optimal viewing conditions.[21] Cinemark positions XD as its flagship premium offering, distinct from competitors by prioritizing screen size and integrated sensory enhancements over motion seating or multi-projection setups.[22] As of 2022, XD screens were available in hundreds of Cinemark locations across the United States, with ongoing investments in upgrades to support evolving content like high-dynamic-range (HDR) films.[23] Tickets for XD showings command a premium price, reflecting the format's appeal for blockbuster releases where scale amplifies spectacle.[24]Computing and technology
Adobe XD
Adobe XD is a vector-based software application developed by Adobe Inc. for designing and prototyping user interfaces and experiences for web and mobile applications.[25] It enables the creation of wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups through tools for drawing shapes, adding text, and simulating user interactions such as transitions and animations.[26] Launched as a response to competitors like Sketch, XD emphasizes speed in iterative design workflows, allowing designers to transition seamlessly from static artboards to functional prototypes without exporting assets.[27] The tool originated as Project Comet, with an initial public preview released on March 14, 2016, under the name Adobe Experience Design CC.[28] A beta version for Windows 10 followed on December 13, 2016, expanding access beyond macOS users.[29] Adobe declared XD out of beta on October 18, 2017, making it generally available with core features including repeat grids for scalable UI elements, auto-animate for smooth transitions, and voice prototyping capabilities introduced in later updates.[29] By June 2020, XD had reached its 30th release, incorporating integrations with Creative Cloud libraries for asset sharing from Photoshop and Illustrator, as well as plugin support for extended functionality.[30] XD's architecture supports collaborative workflows, including cloud-based sharing for stakeholder feedback and real-time co-editing, though these features have not advanced significantly in recent years.[31] Key technical aspects include content-aware layout for responsive designs that adapt to varying screen sizes and component systems for reusable UI elements, reducing redundancy in multi-screen projects.[32] As part of the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem, XD requires a subscription, with access limited to the All Apps plan since standalone options were discontinued.[33] Following the collapse of Adobe's proposed acquisition of Figma in December 2023, XD entered maintenance mode, with Adobe confirming no further investment in new features or major development.[34] Updates since 2023 have consisted solely of bug fixes and minor workflow improvements, such as the July 2025 release (version 59), which addressed stability issues without introducing capabilities.[32] This shift reflects Adobe's strategic pivot toward Figma as its primary design platform, leaving XD supported for existing users but without roadmap expansions, prompting many professionals to migrate to alternatives for ongoing projects.[35]XD bit (computing)
The XD bit, or eXecute Disable bit, is a hardware security feature in Intel x86 processors that enables the marking of specific memory pages as non-executable, preventing the processor from fetching and executing instructions from those regions.[36] This mechanism operates at the page table entry (PTE) level, where bit 63 of a PTE (in Physical Address Extension or PAE mode) is set to indicate non-executability, causing the processor to generate a general protection fault upon attempted code execution from such pages.[37] When combined with operating system support, it implements features like Data Execution Prevention (DEP) in Microsoft Windows, which segregates code from data to mitigate exploits such as buffer overflows where attackers inject and execute malicious shellcode in stack or heap memory.[38] Introduced by Intel in 2004 with processors supporting Extended Physical Address Extension (PAE), such as certain Pentium 4 models and later, the XD bit provides a hardware-accelerated alternative to purely software-based protections, reducing performance overhead compared to emulation techniques like those in earlier systems.[38] AMD processors implement an equivalent feature termed the NX (No eXecute) bit, first available in Opteron and Athlon 64 chips in 2003, which functions identically in the x86 architecture but uses different branding; both rely on the same PTE bit position for compatibility.[37] Operating systems must explicitly enable and manage the bit via BIOS/UEFI settings and kernel configurations, as disabling it (e.g., for legacy compatibility) exposes systems to higher risks from code-injection attacks, though it does not protect against non-execution-based vulnerabilities like return-oriented programming.[36] In practice, the XD/NX bit enhances system resilience against malware that exploits memory corruption, with empirical evidence from security analyses showing significant reduction in successful buffer overflow exploits post-adoption; for instance, it blocks execution of injected code in data segments without affecting legitimate applications when properly configured.[38] However, its effectiveness depends on correct OS implementation and user-enabled hardware support, as incomplete coverage (e.g., opting out of DEP) or attacks bypassing the bit via legitimate code paths can undermine protections.[37] Modern x86-64 processors universally support XD/NX, with detection tools like CPUID instruction (leaf 0x80000001, EDX bit 20) allowing software verification of availability.[36]Firearms
Springfield Armory XD series
The Springfield Armory XD series comprises a line of polymer-framed, semi-automatic striker-fired pistols manufactured by HS Produkt in Karlovac, Croatia, and distributed in the United States by Springfield Armory, Inc., since 2002. Derived from the Croatian HS 2000 service pistol originally developed in the late 1990s for military and police use, the XD (eXtreme Duty) designation was adopted for the U.S. market following Springfield's acquisition of import rights to the design.[39][40] Chambered primarily in 9×19mm Parabellum, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, the pistols feature capacities ranging from 6+1 rounds in subcompact models to 16+1 in full-size variants, with barrel lengths from 3 inches to 5 inches.[41] Central to the XD design is its passive grip safety—a hinged panel at the rear of the frame that must be compressed by the shooter's hand to disengage and permit firing—combined with an internal firing pin block and a trigger-mounted blade safety as part of the Ultra Safety Assurance (USA) Action Trigger System.[42] This configuration enhances drop safety without requiring manual manipulation, though the grip safety has drawn mixed user feedback for potentially complicating draw-and-fire scenarios under stress. The slide, finished in corrosion-resistant Melonite, houses a hammer-forged barrel, while the frame incorporates accessory rails, high-visibility sights, and loaded chamber and magazine indicators. Operation relies on a short-recoil, tilting-barrel locking mechanism akin to the Browning Hi-Power, with a consistent striker-fired pull weight of approximately 6–7 pounds.[43] Evolutions within the series include the 2007-introduced XD-M line, which refined ergonomics with modular backstraps, a match-grade barrel, and improved slide serrations for better grip; the 2012 XD-S single-stack subcompact for concealed carry; and the 2017 XD-E hammer-fired double-action/single-action variant in 9mm.[44] Recent updates, such as the 2024 XD Mod.3 OSP (optics-ready with a milled slide for red-dot mounts) and XD-M Elite models featuring the Match Enhanced Trigger Assembly (META) for a crisper 4.5–5.5-pound pull, maintain compatibility with modern accessories while preserving core reliability.[45][46] Independent testing consistently affirms the XD series' durability, with reports of thousands of rounds fired without malfunction using factory and reloaded ammunition across calibers.[47][48] Accuracy benchmarks show sub-2-inch groups at 25 yards for service models, attributed to the rigid frame and low bore axis.[49] While early models lacked optics cuts, later iterations address this, positioning the XD as a cost-effective duty or defensive option with MSRPs from $325 to $837.[41] No widespread recalls or systemic failures have been documented, though some users note the grip safety's learning curve compared to manual-safety alternatives.[50]Vehicles
Scion xD
The Scion xD was a subcompact, front-wheel-drive hatchback manufactured by Toyota's Scion division for the North American market, with production spanning 2007 to 2014 and model years from 2008 to 2014.[51][52] Introduced in August 2008 as a replacement for the smaller Scion xA, the xD targeted young, urban buyers seeking an affordable, customizable entry-level vehicle with a boxy, utilitarian design emphasizing practicality over sportiness.[52][53] It measured approximately 154.7 inches in length, offering seating for five and cargo space expandable to 33.3 cubic feet with rear seats folded.[54] The xD shared its underpinnings with the Toyota Yaris platform but featured a stretched wheelbase and wider stance for improved interior room and stability compared to the prior xA, drawing from the second-generation Toyota ist sold in Japan.[53][55] Its exterior adopted a tall, angular profile with short overhangs and MacPherson strut front suspension paired with a torsion-beam rear axle, prioritizing city maneuverability over dynamic handling.[56] Minor updates occurred over the years, including a revised grille for 2011 and standard electronic stability control starting in 2010, but the core design remained unchanged through its run.[57] Power came from a 1.8-liter inline-four engine producing 128 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 125 lb-ft of torque, tuned for efficiency rather than performance.[58][59] A five-speed manual transmission was standard, with a four-speed automatic optional; acceleration from 0-60 mph took about 8.2 seconds, and top speed reached 116 mph.[60] Fuel economy rated 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway with the manual, reflecting its lightweight curb weight of around 2,500 pounds.[61] Trim levels were minimal, with base models including standard features like air conditioning, a CD player, and 16-inch steel wheels, while optional packages added alloy wheels, a sunroof, or Pioneer audio upgrades to support Scion's customization ethos.[62] Safety equipment comprised front airbags, ABS brakes, and later traction control, earning it four-star NHTSA frontal crash ratings.[63] The xD contributed to Scion's broader sales challenges, with the brand discontinued entirely in 2016 amid declining volumes—Scion's peak of 173,000 units in 2006 fell to 56,167 by 2015—prompting Toyota to fold remaining models into its main lineup without a direct xD successor.[52][64] Critics noted its overlap with the more value-oriented Toyota Yaris, limiting its appeal in a segment favoring distinctiveness or lower pricing.[65]Polaris Pro XD
The Polaris Pro XD is a series of commercial utility task vehicles (UTVs) produced by Polaris Inc., an American manufacturer of powersports and off-road vehicles, primarily targeted at industrial, governmental, and jobsite applications requiring durability and high utility. Launched on December 10, 2018, the initial lineup consisted of three diesel-powered models emphasizing resistance to tough duty cycles, with features like a 1,930-pound payload capacity and 2,500-pound towing rating to support heavy hauling in sectors such as construction, utilities, and military operations.[66][67] Subsequent expansions included gas and electric variants, with the Pro XD Kinetic electric model introduced in February 2024 for zero-emission worksite use, offering a 45-mile range and up to 110 horsepower from a 14.9 kWh lithium-ion battery.[68] The vehicles are available in full-size (seating up to four) and mid-size configurations, with speed governors limiting top speeds to 15–26 mph (adjustable on some models) for compliance with jobsite safety standards, alongside features like Kevlar-backed vinyl seats, heavy-duty 8-ply tires, rust-free polyethylene cargo beds, and integrated alarms for low oil, overheating, and backups.[69][70] Key specifications vary by powertrain and size:| Variant | Engine/Power | Payload | Towing | Box Capacity | Ground Clearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Size Diesel (Kubota 3-cylinder, 898cc) | 23.3 HP | 2,050 lbs | 2,500 lbs | 1,250 lbs | 11 in |
| Full-Size Gas (ProStar 1,000cc) | 39.5 HP | 1,850 lbs | 2,500 lbs | 1,250 lbs | 11 in |
| Full-Size Kinetic (Electric) | 110 HP, 140 ft-lbs torque | 1,500 lbs | 2,500 lbs | 1,250 lbs | 12 in |
| Mid-Size Gas (570cc) | 39.5 HP | 946 lbs | 1,500 lbs | 500 lbs | 11 in |