Saying Merry Xmas instead of Merry Christmas

[Cicero]

So personally, I think people should say the whole name "Merry Christmas" and not put an X instead of the Christ part. Christmas is more if a religious holiday, and I believe it shows respect when you don't put the X part. What's your opinion when people say "Merry Xmas" instead of "Merry Christmas"? I do feel slightly offended. Because if they're gonna say "Merry Xmas" they should just say Happy Holidays. I really don't know how or why saying Merry Christmas could be so offensive, it is a holiday celebrating Christ's supposed birth. We don't go around say Happy Xnukkah for Hanukkah. I personally think it shows disrespect, if your so offended to say the Christ part, then don't even celebrate Christmas.

[Jupiter]

what. no. that's like saying that the signs that say "animal x-ing" is like trying to take the cross out of it.


stop being offended.

[Gigablue]

The X is the first letter of "Χριστός", the Greek word for Christ, so Xmas and Christmas are the same thing. Xmas is just a shorter way of saying Christmas.

[Troy35216]

The abbreviation of 'Xmas' for 'Christmas' is neither modern nor disrespectful. The notion that it is a new and vulgar representation of the word 'Christmas' seems to stem from the erroneous belief that the letter 'X' is used to stand for the word 'Christ' because of its resemblance to a cross, or that the abbreviation was deliberately concocted "to take the 'Christ' out of Christmas." Actually, this usage is nearly as old as Christianity itself, and its origins lie in the fact that the first letter in the Greek word for 'Christ' is 'chi,' and the Greek letter 'chi' is represented by a symbol similar to the letter 'X' in the modern Roman alphabet. Hence 'Xmas' is indeed perfectly legitimate abbreviation for the word 'Christmas' (just as 'Xian' is also sometimes used as an abbreviation of the word 'Christian'). (from Snopes.com)

so Xmas doesn't take the Christ out of Christmas at all. and there's nothing new about it. Google is a wonderful thing.

[Cicero]

The X is the first letter of "Χριστός", the Greek word for Christ, so Xmas and Christmas are the same thing. Xmas is just a shorter way of saying Christmas.

It's not that short when saying it, only spelling it. And I don't know why we can't just say the English term which is Christmas.

[Gigablue]

It's not that short when saying it, only spelling it. And I don't know why we can't just say the English term which is Christmas.

I've only ever seem it written. I've never heard anyone say it before. I don't know why anyone would say it, since it just sounds awkward, but I don't have a problem with it being written.

[Cicero]

I've only ever seem it written. I've never heard anyone say it before. I don't know why anyone would say it, since it just sounds awkward, but I don't have a problem with it being written.

Well, you've changed my mind about how it's written. I was actually thinking of saying merry Xmas on FB. But then it might cause a huge fight with people.

[Jess]

I don't see anything wrong with people writing or saying Xmas instead of Christmas. It's not offensive to me. I always say and write Christmas and I'm not offended by the "Christ" part.

[Abyssal Echo]

I've seen merry X mas in cards and letters but haven't heard prople say it that way. its always been Merry Christmas at my house

[Manjusri]

What about happy christmas? Doesn't that just want to make you scream.

Honestly i really don't care. There are multiple ways to pronounce words, why can't there be different ways to wish someone a cheerful holiday?

There are vast amounts of people who celebrate christmas and don't even have a religion. If you're offended by someone saying "merry x-mas" too bad (http://www.stuffistumbledupon.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Im-offended-quote-Stephen-Fry-Fry-and-Laurie.jpg).

[drew .]

never heard any one say xmas

[Horizon]

I don't honestly see the problem with say "Xmas" or spelling it. Some people don't have a religion but still celebrate Christmas because it is also a time for families to come together. And I really wouldn't take any offense if I were you, because people aren't saying it with the intent to offend you, or anyone with a religion.

[Skyline]

I don't honestly see the problem with say "Xmas" or spelling it. Some people don't have a religion but still celebrate Christmas because it is also a time for families to come together. And I really wouldn't take any offense if I were you, because people aren't saying it with the intent to offend you, or anyone with a religion.

I agree 100%, I wouldn't let it get to you.

[FreeFall]

Really? That's what gets your panties in a twist? When I hear "X-Mas" in stead of Christmas, I do take awhile to register what they just said. When I read xmas I think of the Greek explanation already given, and I accept it since English is not the language of everyone who lives on the earth ever.

As long as no one's saying "I hope your holiday sucks and you get 12 boxes of literal piles of dog shit with a couple of them set on fire", does it matter?

They're wishing you a good day, good health, good cheer, happiness and fun in the spirit of the holidays. And you're offended by how the abbreviate it?

[Gigablue]

OP request. :locked: