Definitions
Etymologies
- 1755, preceded by earlier forms such as X'temmas (1551) and Old English Χp̃es mæssa (1100), from Christmas, replacing Christ by abbreviation X, from Ancient Greek Χ (Ch, "(letter chi)"), from Χριστός (Christós, "Christ"). Surface analysis X (“Christ”) + -mas (“holiday”). In popular use since late 19th century. See Wikipedia for more information. (Wiktionary)
- From X, the Greek letter chi, first letter of Greek Khrīstos, Christ; see Christ. (American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition)
Examples
“Guess they didn't get the memo that some folks are now offended by the term "Xmas," either.”
The Huffington Post: Chris Weigant: The Real "War on Christmas"
“A dry-erase calendar on the wall announces the dates of Duffs Food Network competition; his own birthday on the seventeenth of December; everyones favorite festival of food, Spanksgiving; and, on 12/25, the word Xmas with a drawing of a menorahone candle lightedbeneath it.”
“Then there are the near 3 million shopworkers gritting their teeth as Now That's what I Call Xmas plays on in-store PA systems.”
The Guardian: Hard times on the high street mean an unhappy Christmas at the Treasury
“The origin of the term Xmas comes from the greek spelling of Christ, which begins with the letter Chi (X).”
“All I want for Xmas is a candidate to dethrone Maverick McCain!!!! welches, oregon”
“Last thing I want this close to Xmas is bloody crotch rot.”
“The OED lists further examples of such X abbreviations from then until now — not just in Xmas, but also in Xtian (for Christian).”
“Or, Virty, as they say in Milan ‘All I want for Xmas is me two fwont teef’.”
“So, you are still doing your bit, and Xmas is a tough time financially for one and all.”
“I thought it was illegal to drink in Antigua past 10 ... well, anyway, Xmas is celebrated on the 24th, and it is WAAAAY better in the city.”
Guatemala: Christmas Day video and audio snapshots Boing Boing
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Tweets
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