For The Weeknd, XO started as his collective/label, referencing hugs and kisses (XOXO) but also alluding to ecstasy and oxycontin, reflecting his early drug use while creating music; it grew into his brand, representing love, friendship, and hedonism, tied to his music and lifestyle.
The meaning of "XO" stands for ecstasy and oxycontin. During the Weeknd's early uprising of his career, he would occasionally record music under the influence of drugs, stating, "There were songs on my first record that were seven minutes long."
Hugs and kisses, abbreviated in the Anglosphere as XO or XOXO, is an informal term used for expressing sincerity, faith, love, or good friendship at the end of a written letter, email or text message.
XO is a Canadian record label founded by The Weeknd in 2012. Its roster includes The Weeknd, Nav, and Belly. It is also a management company and has its own creative agency.
XO is the name of a record label, which was created in Canada in 2011, by a super popular musician The Weeknd. Initially, it was needed for the release of the artist's mixtapes but has grown into a full-fledged record label, which today works with four musicians performing in hip-hop and R&B genres.
In smaller vessels, such as submarines and frigates, the executive officer also holds the position of first lieutenant. Originally, the second-in-command was usually referred to as the first lieutenant (or as "number one"), although it is becoming more common to hear the term XO.
Lady XO is an artist/producer from Chicago, Illinois who originally received attention over a run of magnetic freestyle releases on social media. Her style is progressive, hypnotizing and authentic, with relatable lyrics focusing on the raw emotions of a young woman growing up in the windy city.
The Weeknd talks about his experience with sleep paralysis in a recent interview with @thefader.
Over the years there has been some debate about what 'XO' actually means. The more commonly known meaning is obviously “hugs and kisses”, though if you've listened to the albums mentioned above you'll understand why it's more likely to be closer to the alternative meaning, ecstasy and oxycodone.
For the most part, executive officers, or XOs, are actually captains-in-waiting. They have been selected for command, and when an incumbent commanding officer (CO) departs, an XO ascends.
x means a kiss. xoxo means kiss hug kiss hug (you would never use o or oo at the end of a message though, for the record) Its just kind of a positive friendly way to end a message? ( Depending on context and who it's coming from) More of a UK/Aus thing.
Long before there were emojis, people have used 'X' to represent “kiss” and 'O' to represent “hug.” Depending on the enthusiasm and depth of feelings on the part of the sender, the sentiment can be expressed as a simple 'XO' or the more affectionate 'XOXO.
XO is defined as hugs and kisses, or is the abbreviation for a military executive officer. An example of XO is what someone would put at the end of an email to a good friend, before signing their name. While X has long been used internationally as the symbol for a kiss, O (meaning a hug) is a relatively new addition.
Tesfaye co-founded the record label XO in 2011 and hosted the Apple Music 1 radio show Memento Mori from 2018 to 2022.
But what does XO really mean? It's more than just letters—it symbolizes love and support. Originating from The Weeknd's early mixtapes, particularly his 2011 release 'House of Balloons,' XO has evolved into a brand representing community and connection among listeners.
The most streamed song of all-time on Spotify is Blinding Lights by The Weeknd, with 5,226,555,336 streams as of January 8, 2026.
Some fans claim that the "XO" in the Weeknd's "XO Crew" simply stands for hugs and kisses, while others claim the letters represent the drugs Ecstasy and oxycontin. Considering the ubiquity of drugs in his songs, the latter seems likely.
XOXO means "hugs and kisses"—the X represents a kiss and the O represents a hug. This abbreviated term has been popular in linguistic history for a long time—many connect XOXO with the expression of love used towards a friend, romantic partner or family member.
Together, XOXO is shorthand for “hugs and kisses.” Online, it's less about romance and more about friendly warmth, gratitude, or playful affection.
For The Weeknd, "XO" primarily refers to his record label, but it also holds a dual meaning related to drugs (Ecstasy and Oxycontin) from his early career, while also nodding to the traditional "hugs and kisses" (XOXO) meaning of love and friendship, blending hedonism with affection.
It has to do where his natural voice sits, it kinda natural sits already in a higher place so it's easier to access. Doesn't mean that some can't learn to sing just as high. But for him it will always be a little easier than someone who's voice sits lower.
Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, has significantly enhanced his smile after rising to fame. Opting for a comprehensive smile design, he now sports a bright, white, and perfectly aligned set of teeth.
“If someone signs their email 'xo,' it doesn't necessarily mean they love you or want to date you,” explains Friedman. “It often means appreciation or thanks—as if they're giving you a little hug for helping them out.
After months of silence from the group, and months of fans emailing the company, Jewel Entertainment revealed that the group would be disbanding on November 11, 2021. The cited reason for disbandment was a lack of funds.