Why do we say XC and cyclo X and 4X? Ask most people do draw a cross and they'll do this: +

Wouldn't that be an addition sign?

So if someone asked to cross something out you'd put a plus through it?

Because Plus C, Cyclo Plus and 4 Plus would sound pretty stupid.

Surely it depends upon context? If you asked someone for a game of noughts and crosses you'd get x. If you asked someone about religion and crosses you' get +ish.

+ if you're english

x if you're Scottish

Why X and not + ?

We say "cross country"; if you write the abbreviation it is XC, this is because there is not another character that can abbreviate "cross".

xmas?

as it's religious, shouldn't xmas be +mas?

It's from the greek letter chi.

We don't say Kings +.

All valid points. I'll shut up 🙂

All valid points. I'll shut up

Have you not been here long? You're supposed to say "you're all wrong and I'm right, and I'll prove it to you" 😉

That's so funny I can't even think of something to say in reply 😀

Would it not be feasible to say that its "X" because its an alphabetical abreviation ie for keyboards and speech and such and "+" is a mathematical symbol. Just a thought.

as it's religious, shouldn't xmas be +mas?

I always thought it was trying to take the 'christ' out of Christmas and would therefore be irreligious?