Q and A

Q:  Why do X’s at the end of a letter signify kisses?

A:  In the Middle Ages, when many people were unable to read or write, documents were often signed using an X.  Kissing the X represented an oath to fulfill obligations specified in the document.  The X and the kiss eventually became synonymous.

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Q:  Why do ships and aircraft in trouble use “mayday” as their call for help?

A:  This comes from the French word “m’aidez” – meaning “help me” – and is pronounced “mayday”.