At this time of year, one controversial question is frequently asked that can often leave opinions divided - do you say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Xmas"?
Many swear that Christmas is the only name for the festive season as it is the more traditional title. But others are happy to use both terms without giving it much thought.
Whichever you prefer, both names have unique origins that not everyone is aware of, with some shocked to learn that both terms bear religious meanings.
This news may come as surprising as this is contrary to general belief that X-mas is a secular alternative to Christmas. While it can seem confusing, the experts at Dictionary.com have cleared up confusion, reports the Mirror.
According to a post on their website, "mas" is rooted in the old English term for mass, a pretty clear reference to the church service. Similarly, the use of "Christ" in Christmas is fairly obvious. But what is the meaning of the X that replaces this in Xmas?
Well, Xmas was used as an abbreviation as early as the mid-1500s, according to Dictionary.com. The experts explain: "X represents the Greek letter chi the initial letter in the word Χριστός (Chrīstos). And what does Χριστός mean? '(Jesus) Christ.'"
Dictionary.com adds that X has been widely accepted as a representation of the word Christ for hundreds of years, with its common usage explaining why the word sometimes appears in the abbreviated form.
Regardless, for some Christians, it is important to use the word that centres 'Christ'. But others are happy to use the X form, with its religious connotations.
How people choose to use the two words is, of course, down to them. Learning the origins of the words is a good first step, however. For lots of people, the reason Christmas is sometimes called Xmas is new knowledge. You only have to browse Twitter to find a range of tweets from social media users keen to understand the difference.
Elsewhere on TikTok, viewers have previously been left stunned by videos dedicated to the topic.
In a post about 'Xmas' and why it is often seen as secular word for Christmas - one that reflects the holiday's more commercialised aspects - @thepiosilva said: "The real origin of the X comes from the Greek name for Christ himself, if you were referring to Christ as Christos or Chi (X) in Greek."
In response, one viewer said: "Thank you, my whole life has been a lie."
While a second replied: "Mind-blowing," and someone else said: "I didn't know the Xmas."
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