1969 (see quotations). Reduplication of X (“an age rating denoting content suitable for adults”), in reference to the X rating introduced by the Motion Picture Association of America on 1 November 1968 for films containing extreme violence, heavily implied (originally softcore) sex and obscene language. Film posters began to include multiple exes (but skipping two) in order to imply even more extreme, hardcore content, particularly in relation to pornography (although many actually contained the same content as X-rated films). Compare XXXX. The original X rating was superseded by NC-17 in 1990; see also R-18.
Meanings
Extreme or hardcore pornography; or, less strictly, any pornographic content.
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. 2012 April 19, Josh Halliday, “Free speech haven or lawless cesspool – can the internet be civilised?”, in The Guardian:
The pornography industry, like all industries, is in the business of making money. Pornography makes a lot of money-from Playboy magazine to XXX videos. This industry would obviously produce, and capitalize upon, pornography for women as well, if a demand existed. 1995, Paul R. Abramson, Steven D. Pinkerton, With Pleasure: Thoughts on the Nature of Human Sexuality, Oxford University Press, →ISBN, pages 72–73:
Pornography—or "porno," to use the hip term—is intended primarily to sexually arouse the viewer, or reader, or maybe listener. Porno films enjoy graphic realism. These are the XXX films. 1973, William Rotsler, Contemporary Erotic Cinema, Penthouse/Ballantine, page 26:
1969 (see quotations). Reduplication of X (“an age rating denoting content suitable for adults”), in reference to the X rating introduced by the Motion Picture Association of America on 1 November 1968 for films containing extreme violence, heavily implied (originally softcore) sex and obscene language. Film posters began to include multiple exes (but skipping two) in order to imply even more extreme, hardcore content, particularly in relation to pornography (although many actually contained the same content as X-rated films). Compare XXXX. The original X rating was superseded by NC-17 in 1990; see also R-18.
Meanings
Denotes extreme or hardcore pornography.
[bottom right] XXX
SO ADULT ONE 'X' ISN'T ENOUGH! 1969, Starlet! (film poster), Entertainment Ventures:
Unknown. Possibly from X, a graphic derivative of the skull and crossbones (“indicator of death”). For other possible explanations, see Beer measurement § Saltire marks on WikipediaWikipedia .
Unknown. Possibly from X, a graphic derivative of the skull and crossbones (“indicator of death”). For other possible explanations, see Beer measurement § Saltire marks on WikipediaWikipedia .
Meanings
(obsolete) Extra strong alcohol, particularly ale or (later) any beer.
It is wonderful how quickly a beer drinker, if he was to get XXX. beer for XXXX. beer, would be able to tell you the difference. Some publicans go in for more profit than others, some will buy the XXX. beer, and perhaps his next neighbour will buy the XXXX. beer; but the man who sells the XXXX. beer gets the business. 1898 June 9, George Harston, Report and Minutes of Evidence Taken Before the Departmental Comm. on Beer Materials, House of Commons of the United Kingdom, page 231:
"God bless you, madam!" he said, fervently, "and all like you that keep a bright face through the darkest day. But come, madam, step in a moment, and taste a glass of the XXX ale, and a slice of l'eg's cake; it's yet early." 1847, William Howitt, Mary Howitt, “The Flint and Hart Matronship”, in Howitt's Journal of Literature and Popular Progress, volume 1, published by William Lovett, page 13:
Squash almost without stint! What is squash? Why, squash is squash! Squash in "Poplar" language stood for beer. Not XXX. beer, or Burton beer, but beer for all that. Table beer—school beer—beer of which a great deal might be taken without producing intoxication. 1882, Frederick Sherlock, More Than Conquerors, Home Words Publishing Office, page 79:
(obsolete, qualifier:euphemistic or stylistic) Extra strong alcohol, particularly ale or (later) any beer. ▸ Alcohol.