Changes

The term '''Xmas''' is an alternate spelling for [[Christmas]]. This spelling is disliked by many [[Christian]]s, who believe that it is an informal or flippant abbreviation. Further, in modern English the letter "X" is sometimes associated with [[pornography]] or with the pseudo-word [[xtreme]] (denoting a nihilistic lifestyle).

The term '''Xmas''' is an alternate spelling for [[Christmas]]. This spelling is disliked by many [[Christian]]s, who believe that it is an informal or flippant abbreviation because, as written in English, it literally takes "[[Christ]]" out of "Christmas." The word has been adopted by many [[secular]]ists and [[atheist]]s who try to downplay the religious aspects of Christmas. Further, in modern English the letter "X" is sometimes associated with [[pornography]] or with the pseudo-word [[xtreme]] (denoting a nihilistic lifestyle).

However, in actuality, the term is a Greek-based abbreviation, with the "X" standing for the first letter of the Greek term "Χριστος".  Therefore, the usage of Xmas by Christians (or even the term "Xtian" as a parallel abbreviation for "Christian") may be used by believers as an attempt to re-appropriate the [[means of discourse]], thereby reclaiming a portion of the linguistic heritage of the [[English language]] and Christian culture in the West.

However, in actuality, the term is a Greek-based abbreviation, with the "X" standing for the first letter of the Greek term "Χριστος" (Christ).  Therefore, the usage of Xmas by Christians (or even the term "Xtian" as a parallel abbreviation for "Christian") may be used by believers as an attempt to re-appropriate the [[means of discourse]], thereby reclaiming a portion of the linguistic heritage of the [[English language]] and Christian culture in the West.

[[Category: Holidays]]

[[Category:Holidays]]

[[Category: Linguistics]]

[[Category:Linguistics]]