Xian (abbreviation)

Xian (sometimes Xtian) is a common abbreviation for the word Christian.[1][2] The X comes from the Greek letter Chi, the first letter of the Greek word Χριστός, Khristós, Latinized as Christus, and ultimately Anglicized as Christ.[3] The -ian is an adjective-forming suffix originating from the equivalent Latin suffix -ianus. The abbreviation follows a pattern similar to that of Xmas. It is generally reserved for highly informal writing. The abbreviation is sometimes used in place of the male given name Christian.[4]

The Oxford English Dictionary records Xtian as an adjective and a noun, first cited in 1845 (although Xtianity for Christianity is cited in 1634), but does not include Xian.[3] Xian can be seen in use in The Diary of Samuel Rogers, 1634-1638, where a footnote to the printed edition states that "Throughout his diary, Rogers abbreviates 'Christ' to 'X' and the same is true of 'Christian' ('Xian'), 'Antichrist' ('AntiX') and related words."[5]

References

  1. ↑ Garman, Michael (1990). Psycholinguistics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 35. ISBN 0521276411.
  2. ↑ Andrew, James (1817). Institutes of Grammar: As Applicable to the English Langage, Or as Introductory to the Study of Other Languages, Systematically Arranged, and Briefly Explained. London: Black, Parbury, and Allen. p. 11.
  3. 1 2 "X, n. 10". OED Online. Oxford University Press. March 2016. Retrieved 11 May 2016.
  4. ↑ Jacobson, Judy (2001). A Field Guide for Genealogists. Baltimore, MD: Clearfield Company, Inc. p. 44. ISBN 0806350989.
  5. ↑ Rogers, Samuel (2004). Webster, Tom; Shipps, Kenneth W., eds. The Diary of Samuel Rogers, 1634-1638. Boydell Press. p. 4. ISBN 9781843830436. Retrieved 12 May 2016.


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