Trying to come up with an idea for this “X” blog, I kept coming back to one question: Why did pirates use “X” to mark the spot? Why not a circle? Think about it. In the olden days before internet and ubiquitous GPS, people used maps to orient themselves and to plot a course. In my experience, most people would draw a circle around their destination. Why didn’t pirates?
Welp, I hopped down the old Wikipedia rabbit hole and learned that “X” is used to indicate a variant or unknown value in mathematics, which led to its use representing the unknown in other contexts; for example, X-rays, Gen X, “The X Files,” or as a designation for an unspecified non-binary gender. “X” is used to represent negation (“this is wrong”) or absence ( in place of an illiterate or unsighted person’s signature). Conversely, and illogically, “X” used to “mark the spot” on a map signifies a known location.
I learned a lot about “X” but found nothing to explain why pirates used “X” to mark the location of their treasure stash. I did, however, find a surprising connection between pirates and “X.” That link is American singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, who has, in a BBC interview, confirmed her full legal name is Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell. “Baird” and “O’Connell” are her mother’s and father’s last names, respectively. “Pirate” was conferred by her older brother, then-four-year-old Finneas.
The home-schooled siblings are singer-songwriters working independently and together. They co-wrote Billie’s song, “Xanny,” the third track on her 2019 debut album (produced by Finneas). “Xanny” is a reference to Xanax, brand name of the generic tranquilizer alprazolam. Eilish, who eschews drug use, has said “Xanny” is a cautionary plea to drug-using friends to “be safe.”
J.E.M. Wildfire 
Xanny the nanny from the Casey Anthony debacle comes to mind. As soon as I heard that come up in court I thought, “Really? She used a Xanax on that poor child?”. Xavier is a great name as well, for a letter that isn’t widely used to begin a word…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t remember Xanny the nanny. Xavier IS a great name, but I’m almost glad I didn’t think of it. I learned so much trivia taking the X path I did LOL!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like your new picture.
LikeLike
Thanks, Jim! ❤
LikeLike
I would have thought the reason for the X to be related to longitude and latitude. The intersection of those two lines being a spot to mark which would like an X or +. Or maybe because alcohol might be a treasure, and Xs on that container generally refer to how often it has been through a still, or the strength of the brew?
I love letter X posts! Always such variety.
It’s hard to believe the blogging challenge is almost over. Then the after survey, reflections, and the road trip sign-up.
Plus, I’m taking part in the Bout of Books read-a-thon in May. So much excitement!
J Lenni Dorner~ Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge, OperationAwesome6 Debut Author Interviewer, Reference& Speculative Fiction Author
LikeLiked by 1 person
The X being related to longitude & latitude sounds very plausible. The alcohol relation, I think, is a bit weaker. While the wiki articles I read referenced X as used in long/lat and alcohol, none made any kind of connection to pirates; just mentioned in passing that pirates used “X marks the spot.” I have to admit, however, that once I came across the Billie Eilish stuff, I ended all other research on the subject.
I haven’t heard of the Bout of Book read-a thon in May. Just as well, since my May will revolve around writing a daily short story in the Story A Day May Challenge!
LikeLike
X is a more precise way to mark a spot than a circle and could also indicate a burial spot, hence a cross! Love the new avatar picture!
LikeLiked by 1 person
X for precision makes sense, but why X rather than circle to indicate burial? Thanks for compliment on pic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
X as in cross for a Christian burial!
LikeLiked by 1 person
D’oh! (Don’t know if you get the Simpsons where you are, but that’s what Homer Simpson says, smacking his head, when he realizes he missed something obvious.)
LikeLiked by 1 person