On the surface, the “x” is a very simple symbol that is often associated with a negative indication. An “x” represents something wrong, a warning against moving forward, or something that is not right, incorrect. But it is much more than that as a symbol. The “x” is bold and provocative. As a letter, it is associated with the daring and can suggest eroticism. It has also been known the mark of a person in lieu of their name, a representation of an entire human and their identity in a simple crossing of lines. It can be the number 10, a date or amount. The “X” is both a simple and complicated symbol that relies on the individual to assign significance and then decide how or if that significance is clarified to others. In this way, the “x” is an incredibly personal tattoo design, validated only by the individual who receives it.

A large “X” can be depicted as scratch marks, burns, or wounds in the skin which creates an aggressive design that suggests battle. This can be a representation of past tragedies that have scarred or wounded the individual and affected them in some way and left them without a sense of healing. The degree of suffering can be revealed in the design depending on the degree of the wound. An “X” made of scar tissue can represent the opposite, a recovery from hardship and the ability to move forward.

An “x” rendered like ink or paint brush strokes may reveal an artist or writer. The plain symbol reveals the individual’s passion for their craft and signifies how it encompasses their entire beings. There are also countless fonts that can be chosen for the “x” that significantly chance the appearance of the symbol. Lines can be added to the top and bottom of the letter to create a Roman numeral which suggests the number 10. The “X” can be placed in a box, leading to an association with the negative, the opposite of a check mark.