XMas

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My dad thinks it's disrespectful to Jesus to call it Xmas.

Last year I disagreed. After all, Christ isn't here just for English speakers. And X is short for Xristos. So it does include Christ.

This year I kind of agree though. Just because it's in Greek doesn't make it disrespectful to be going around saying 'hey, happy JC day!' instead of 'Merry Christmas'. Makes Jesus sound like a 'best bud' with a nickname.

What IS an "X", but a type of cross?

So you're retaining the religious symbol in the abbreviation. So what's the problem?

Last edited by naturalplastic on 26 Dec 2020, 8:14 am, edited 1 time in total.

I recall someone here on WP referring to Christians as Xtians once. Offense was apparently intended.

On the other hand, a brewery in Denmark makes an "X-Mas" beer every year. To my knowledge, no excommunications, inquisitions or crusades have been initiated to avenge such a blasphemous display of heretical sacrilege.

Xristos = Christos. Christos = Christ.

So X = C or JC.

If it wasn't partly in Greek, if we were going round saying 'hey it's JC Day Today' it would sound a bit flippant.

X standing for Xristos in this case is interesting. Have never seen that pointed out before. Xmas in that case would be short for Xristosmas. And when I searched "Χριστούγεννα" (Xristosmas in Greek) it came up as Christmas. The use of "X" (chi) for Christ goes back quite a ways. As seen the the Chi Rho symbol.

I find this a nonsense:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xmas

The word "gay", as an example, has been transformed into something indicating sexual preference orientation*.
As an atheist, the "X" refers to a "wild card" symbol and is definitely a secular expression, for me.
It is also more inclusive.
I guess I am a bit of a political progressive here.


*Apparently, the term "sexual preference" is politically incorrect, these days. Get a life.
Semantic pedantry.

Yeah but when atheists say 'Merry Christmas' that is meant in a secular way too.

I find the idea of 'Happy Holidays' either made up or maybe American? I have never heard it irl.

People say 'Season's Greetings' quite naturally and it's just as inclusive as 'Happy Holidays'.

I call mine sexual preference but that's what it is. Sexual orientation is bi but I'm not into any guys irl so... sexual preference is for women.

Kind of like how nobody has a sexual orientation for blondes. They could hit it off in theory for a brunette even if they have a type/preference.

Straight/gay people genuinely can't get attracted to a certain gender. It's different.

I say "Season's Greetings" also, but it feels a little forced.
I say "Merry Christmas" also, but I sometimes say "Xmas" to make a point.

"One man's meat is another man's poison."
I have a preference for "meat".

I am straight.
I have a preference for women.
If I end up in jail, my preference may change, if there is no other option, but I doubt it.

I can go on like this for months.

Yes, I get the "choice" aspect.
I resent the political correctness.

Some people have nothing better to do that force other people to behave they way they want people to behave.
I hate power plays.
I hate political correctness which is intended to service someone else's need to put their heel on someone else's throat.

What happened to tolerance?
What happened to assessing someone's intent/attitude?

I like calling it Christmas instead of Xmas. Besides, the X reminds me of the Swastika and I just don't like it.

Hmm, looking at Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy over on the bookshelf, I wonder if anyone in that universe ever wishes people "Hoopy Holidays".

And you know me, I like to go find references.
Here is one from a secular gramma blog and one from a Christian, I think conservative, ministry.

Let's see if the Greek letters will reproduce here after being obtained via Google translate, Χριστός

https://www.grammarly.com/blog/why-do-w ... s-as-xmas/


https://www.ligonier.org/blog/why-is-x- ... christmas/

And let's add a reference to the Greek alphabet via someone at MIT,
https://web.mit.edu/jmorzins/www/greek-alphabet.html

Maybe your dad watches too much porn.

You can't measure respect

Anyone could correctly claim that anything is disrespectful, just because they don't like it, thus elevating their emotions and opinion, to a fact

slippery slope

Nah he doesn't know porn exists (or it's sinful to him...) so he gets really over excited when ladies' volleyball comes on TV once every 4 years & texts me to ask if I'm watching it & it's his 'favourite sport'

He's converted into close to a fundie. He won't say swear words or watch horror movies & moans at people who swear online and says 'I don't know how you could' like I'm messed up just for liking horror movies.

All the films he watches are old or Disney.