XO
XO is an abbreviation commonly used in written communication, particularly at the ends of letters, emails, and text messages, to denote "hugs and kisses," with "X" symbolizing a kiss and "O" a hug.[1][2] The convention traces its roots to early postal practices in the United States and United Kingdom, where illiterate individuals marked documents with an "X" as a signature, followed by kissing the mark to validate it, while "O" evoked the encircling arms of a hug; this evolved into a broader emblem of affection by the mid-20th century, gaining ubiquity in personal and romantic exchanges.[2][3] Despite its informal nature, XO has permeated popular culture, appearing in music, branding, and digital shorthand, though its precise interpretation can vary contextually—such as in subcultures referencing drugs or fan communities—without altering its core affectionate connotation.[4]Abbreviations and symbols
Executive officer
In the United States Navy, the executive officer (XO) serves as the principal deputy to the commanding officer (CO) across ships, submarines, squadrons, and shore units, overseeing internal administration, personnel records, training programs, material conservation, and the execution of daily orders to maintain operational readiness. This structure allows the CO to prioritize strategic command and external coordination, while the XO enforces discipline, manages division officers' compliance with Navy Regulations (such as Article 1044 on personnel duties), and implements efficiency measures like standardized leave policies and watch rotations.[5][6] The XO role emerged from naval traditions predating the U.S. Navy, where by the 15th century captains delegated executive operations—including deck management and crew discipline—to lieutenants, a practice the early American Navy adapted as it formalized ranks and hierarchies in the 19th century amid fleet expansion. By World War II, this position was integral to combat effectiveness; on the USS Enterprise (CV-6, for example, Executive Officer Cmdr. James C. Monfort temporarily assumed command in 1939–1941 during the CO's illness, ensuring continuity that carried into Pacific Theater operations like the Battle of Midway on June 4–7, 1942, where XOs coordinated damage control, air operations, and crew assignments under fire.[7][8] Unlike civilian executive roles—such as chief operating officers, which emphasize variable profit metrics, flexible hierarchies, and performance optimization without inherent command succession—the military XO functions in a rigid, uniformed chain of command designed for rapid execution in life-or-death scenarios, fostering verifiable efficiencies like reduced administrative delays and heightened accountability through mandatory readiness drills and inter-division competitions. This hierarchical precision, rooted in regulations prioritizing mission over individual discretion, has historically minimized operational failures in high-stakes naval engagements compared to less structured civilian analogs.[5][9][10]Hugs and kisses
The abbreviation "XO" or "XOXO" signifies hugs and kisses in informal written correspondence, particularly in English-speaking cultures. The "X" conventionally represents a kiss, with documented usage dating to at least 1763 in a letter by British naturalist Gilbert White, as recorded in the Oxford English Dictionary.[11] Its origins trace to medieval practices where illiterate individuals signed documents with an "X" resembling a cross, which scribes or clergy would kiss to affirm authenticity, evolving into a symbolic gesture of affection.[12] The "O" denotes a hug, likely evoking the shape of encircling arms, though its etymology remains less precisely documented and appears to have been paired with "X" later in usage.[2] This notation gained prominence in 20th-century personal letters as a casual sign-off expressing warmth, sincerity, or friendship, predating widespread digital communication.[13] Early printed instances include "XOXO" in an 1855 context per historical text corpora, often in non-romantic familial or platonic exchanges rather than exclusively amorous ones.[2] By the late 20th century, it transitioned to emails, text messages, and social media, retaining its informal, affectionate connotation without inherent sexual implication, though contemporary media sometimes portrays it as predominantly romantic, overlooking its broader historical application.[13] Variations such as multiple "X"s and "O"s (e.g., "XXXOOO") amplify the sentiment for emphasis, commonly appearing in sign-offs to children, friends, or colleagues to convey goodwill.[2] Cultural adoption remains strongest in North America and the UK, where it functions as a lighthearted, non-committal expression of endearment, distinct from verbal or physical gestures.[11]Beverages
Cognac grading
The Cognac grading system, established under the appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) regulations administered by the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC), categorizes spirits based on the minimum aging period of the youngest eau-de-vie in a blend, ensuring verifiable standards for quality and maturity.[14][15] These classifications prioritize empirical barrel aging in Limousin or Tronçais oak, where oxidation and evaporation progressively refine the spirit's profile, rather than unsubstantiated claims of perpetual enhancement.[16]| Grade | Minimum Aging Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| VS (Very Special) | 2 years | Youngest component aged at least 2 years; often lighter and fruit-forward, suitable for mixing.[15] |
| VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) | 4 years | Youngest component aged at least 4 years; balances youth with emerging oak influences.[15] |
| XO (Extra Old) | 10 years (effective April 1, 2018) | Youngest component aged at least 10 years, up from 6 years previously; emphasizes depth from extended wood interaction.[14][17] |