XO
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Executive officer |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Military, Texting & Internet Slang |
XO has two meanings. It stands for Executive officer (military term) or Hug and kiss (texting and chat).
Meanings of XO at a glance
| # | XO stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Executive officer | Military › Military Term |
| 2 | Hug and kiss | Texting & Internet Slang › Texting and Chat |
1. Executive officer
Military · Military Term Abbreviations
Second-in-command of a military unit or ship, responsible for running the staff, administration and daily operations so the commander can focus on mission and leadership. A company XO is usually a first lieutenant; a ship's XO is typically a commander or lieutenant commander.
Example: The XO wants all department heads in the wardroom at 0700.
Navy XOs usually go on to command after a successful tour, and in many squadrons the XO "fleets up" to command the same unit. In texting, xo means hugs and kisses, and in government it can mean executive order. The British equivalent is the second-in-command (2IC).
2. Hug and kiss
Texting & Internet Slang · Texting and Chat Abbreviations
Affectionate sign-off at the end of cards, letters, emails and texts, with X standing for a kiss and O for a hug. A lighter alternative to the doubled XOXO.
Example: Have a great trip and send pictures, xo!
Common between friends, family and partners, and occasionally between close colleagues. The order is sometimes debated, but X is almost always read as the kiss. Warmer than a plain signature but too intimate for formal or professional messages.
Related abbreviations
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- AFQT – Armed Forces Qualification Test
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