To wonder whether it's mostly Brits that put "x" at the end of messages?

[Stamen196]

I was on a Facebook group where a text conversation had been screenshotted, and someone from the US was very confused about what "xxx" meant on the end of every reply. When explained, they said it was only really used in greetings cards over there. I genuinely thought it was a universal thing!

It just occurred to me that people outside the UK probably think British people (not all) just hand out kisses all the time for no reason. It's true for me personally, as I feel like my texts are way too formal without an "x"!). Bad habit I guess.

Sorry OP, maybe that was a bit rude. But I really do think it's strange and always makes me laugh.

I'm not sure they were originally kisses. I always thought it dated back to when the majority of people were illiterate and signed themselves with a X

Oh yes, maybe you're right, Tanith. But it still looks like a kiss.

What's wrong with finishing a sentence with a full stop? Or indeed, with no punctuation.

This came up with a friend who is Ugandan recently. She asked what does ‘x’ mean at the end of my sentences and I realised that I use it in place of punctuation as somehow a full stop feels abrupt. I said something to the effect that it is a symbol of endearment and she said that’s roughly what all the Brits she speaks to, and had asked, said.

I'm British. I don't put x at the end of texts or messages. Nor does anybody who texts me. That's not just my family, or close friends, but I have texts from all kinds of people to do with hobbies, volunteering, meetings etc.
It certainly isn't 'all British people'.

I do find it bizarre on Local Facebook selling groups, or interest groups etc, occasionally some people put x or xxx at the end of a message to strangers

Yes! No one here does it but every group I’m on that is popular with Brits is full of posts that end in x.

I’m Canadian and I’ve only seen it on here/other forums with primarily British people.

I’ve seen it in a greeting card as XOXO which means ‘hugs and kisses’ but even that isn’t very common.

I am British and live in the UK. I only put a xxx on husband's and kids text if I do at all. Generally they don't get them either. Maybe I am cold and hard faced but I don't get the gushing over everyone all of the time. What is wrong with just getting to the point.

Saying that. I always punctuate and rarely use emojis.

@Winniewonka

Surely Mumsnet was the originator of the Dear Whomever abbreviation and other forums copied it. It's older than MSE.

That doesn't mean MN 'invented' it. I've read references that it began in the earlier days of the internet. Or did MN invent the internet too?

I only use them for family and friends. I have known plenty of people use them in a work context, which I always find a bit weird.

I decided to stop putting x at the end of texts about 4 years ago. Caused months of trouble with people asking why and if they had upset me etc etc. I had a reply ready to be copied and pasted as required. It's very liberating to not feel the need to put it on anymore. I am perplexed when people use it in professional emails or texts from managers/colleagues.