X mark

Not to be confused with Crossmark, CrossMark, or Mark X.

An x mark (also known as a cross, x, ex, exmark or into mark[1]) is a mark (x, ×, X, ✕, ☓, ✖, ✗, ✘, etc.) used to indicate the concept of negation (for example "no, this has not been verified" or "no, I don't agree") as well as an indicator (for example in election ballot papers or in x marks the spot). Its opposite is often considered to be the check mark or tick (or the O mark used in Japan, Korea and Taiwan). In Japanese, the X mark (×) is called "batsu" (ばつ) and can be expressed by someone by crossing their arms.[2]

In some areas it's common for people to check a square box with a cross rather than a check mark, while in others the check mark (✓) or even a v mark is used.

It is also used as a replacement for a signature for a person who is blind or illiterate and thus cannot write his or her name.[3] Typically, the writing of an X used for this purpose must be witnessed to be valid.

As a verb, to ex (or x, notably one of the shortest English words)[4] off/out or to cross off/out means to add such a mark. It is quite common, especially on printed forms and document, for there to be squares in which to place x marks, or interchangeably checks.

It is also traditionally used on maps to indicate locations, most famously on treasure maps.

Unicode

An x mark marking the spot of the wrecked Whydah Gally in Cape Cod

Unicode provides various related symbols, including:

Symbol Unicode Codepoint (Hex) Name
☐ U+2610 BALLOT BOX (checkbox)
☒ U+2612 BALLOT BOX WITH X (square with cross)
✗ U+2717 BALLOT X (cross)
✘ U+2718 HEAVY BALLOT X (bold cross)

The mark is generally rendered with a less symmetrical form than the following cross-shaped mathematical symbols:

Symbol Unicode Codepoint (Hex) Name
× U+00D7 MULTIPLICATION SIGN (z notation Cartesian product)
╳ U+2573 BOX DRAWINGS LIGHT DIAGONAL CROSS
☓ U+2613 SALTIRE (St Andrew's Cross)
✕ U+2715 MULTIPLICATION X
✖ U+2716 HEAVY MULTIPLICATION X
⨉ U+2A09 N-ARY TIMES OPERATOR
⨯ U+2A2F VECTOR OR CROSS PRODUCT
🞩 U+1F7A9 LIGHT SALTIRE

See also

Mathematics
Subcultures

References

  1. ↑ Due to its similarity to the multiplication sign.
  2. ↑ "What is Maru Batsu?". genkienglish.net. Retrieved 2016-07-23.
  3. ↑ "Notarizing for Blind and Illiterate Individuals". American Association of Notaries. December 2, 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2014.
  4. ↑ "Definition of X at Merriam-Webster". Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, Inc. Retrieved 26 February 2014.
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