XXX

Pronunciation

• IPA: ʔɛksʔɛksʔɛks

Origin

Very doubtful - although possibly from X, a graphic derivative of the skull and crossbones ("indicator of death")

Symbol

1. Traditional brewer's mark for barrels of "extra strong" beer - extended to other alcoholic beverages and other products having an "extra strong" dimension (varying from washing soap to pornography).
2. An indicator of hazard or poison.

Full definition of XXX

Adjective

1. Extra strong - very high quality
2. X-rated, pornographic.
• 2012, April 19, Josh Halliday, Free speech haven or lawless cesspool – can the internet be civilised?, Other global taboos, such as sex and suicide, manifest themselves widely online, with websites offering suicide guides and Hot XXX Action seconds away at the click of a button. The UK government will come under pressure to block access to pornographic websites this year when a committee of MPs publishes its report on protecting children online.

Synonyms

• pornographic
• X-rated
• XXXX

Verb

1. To delete; to edit, especially to conceal or suggest vulgar language.