Why do some here use "Xtian" as an abbreviation for "Christian"?
Traditionally, "X" is an abbreviation for the word "Christ" (as in "IXOYE"), used most commonly in modern times in "Xmas" as an abbreviation for "Christmas".
So, why "Xtian", which would mean "Christtian" (note the extra "T")?
Shouldn't it be "Xian"? After all, it's "Xmas", not "Xtmas".
I think that "Xian" was more commonly used here at one time, and has morphed into "Xtian" over the years.
I also think that the use of "Xian" came into vogue in Skeptical forums and blogs, not only as a keystroke saver, and to allow those squeamish about the word "Christ" to avoid typing and/or reading it, but also as a thumbing of the nose at those Christians who bristle at the "X" abbreviation (Many are taught - incorrectly, by the way - that by using the term "Xmas", a person is "crossing out Christ").
Fair enough (the nose-thumbing), but must we also thumb our noses at pedants (like myself) by adding the superfluous "t" in "Xtian"?
<TANGENTIALLY-RELATED STORY>
Last December, at a meeting of my Men's Bible Study group, I explained to everyone there the (very Christian) origins of the X=Christ abbreviation, trying - unsuccessfully - to dispel the "Crossing out Christ" folk myth among them.
They were politely interested but... doubtful. My known status as a Non-Believer probably did not help my credibility on the subject any.
</TANGENTIALLY-RELATED STORY>
Traditionally, "X" is an abbreviation for the word "Christ" (as in "IXOYE"), used most commonly in modern times in "Xmas" as an abbreviation for "Christmas".
So, why "Xtian", which would mean "Christtian" (note the extra "T")?
Shouldn't it be "Xian"? After all, it's "Xmas", not "Xtmas".
I think that "Xian" was more commonly used here at one time, and has morphed into "Xtian" over the years.
I also think that the use of "Xian" came into vogue in Skeptical forums and blogs, not only as a keystroke saver, and to allow those squeamish about the word "Christ" to avoid typing and/or reading it, but also as a thumbing of the nose at those Christians who bristle at the "X" abbreviation (Many are taught - incorrectly, by the way - that by using the term "Xmas", a person is "crossing out Christ").
Fair enough (the nose-thumbing), but must we also thumb our noses at pedants (like myself) by adding the superfluous "t" in "Xtian"?
<TANGENTIALLY-RELATED STORY>
Last December, at a meeting of my Men's Bible Study group, I explained to everyone there the (very Christian) origins of the X=Christ abbreviation, trying - unsuccessfully - to dispel the "Crossing out Christ" folk myth among them.
They were politely interested but... doubtful. My known status as a Non-Believer probably did not help my credibility on the subject any.
</TANGENTIALLY-RELATED STORY>
via JREF Forum http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=266859&goto=newpost
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