X mark

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An X mark (also known as a cross, cross-mark, x, or ex) is used to indicate the concept of negation (for example "no, this has not been verified", "no, that is not the correct answer" 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 and Korea). In Japanese, the X mark (❌) is called "batsu" (ばつ) and can be expressed by someone by crossing their arms.^[1]

It is also used as a replacement for a signature for a person who is blind or illiterate and thus cannot write their name.^[2] Typically, the writing of an X used for this purpose must be witnessed to be valid.

As a verb, to ex (or x)^[3] 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. It is also used as a set of three to mark jugs of moonshine for having completed all distillation steps, while additionally signifying its potency (as high as 150 proof) relative to legal spirits, which rarely exceed 80 proof (40% ABV).

Unicode[]

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

Unicode provides various related symbols, including:

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