Did your girlfriend just send you ‘besitos?’ It’s a way for her to express her feelings and emotions towards you. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression ‘besitos’ translates from Spanish to ‘little kisses.’ Besitos is a version of ‘besos,’ a Spanish word for ‘kisses.’ People use ‘besitos’ at the end of text messages, using the ‘x’ letter or multiples of it (xx, xxx, xxxx, xxxxx) to express their love or favor of the other person.
The ‘besitos’ don’t have to refer to love. So, you can use them in messages to anyone you care about, such as your family and close friends. Typically, girls and women use ‘besitos’ more than men, but some gay men may also use them in text communications.
However, you wouldn’t use besitos if you’re texting your manager to tell them you’re going to be late for work. Many English-speaking people use ‘besitos’ in their messages but don’t type out the word; they use the ‘x’ characters instead.
Example Usage
"I'm sending you besitos, my love, you mean the world to me, and I just wanted to show you how much I love you and value you in my life. xxxx"
"Thanks for the besitos, my darling. You know I feel the same way about you too. We're destined to be together for life, and I feel you're my soulmate. xxxx."
"Hi mom, I'm going to stay the night at Cassandra's place. We're doing makeup tutorials together; I'll be home tomorrow. xxxx."
"Hey, dad, happy birthday. Sorry, I can't make t for dinner tonight, but I'll come round on the weekend for a visit. Miss you lots! xxxx."
"I love it when you give me besitos to show m how much you care. They give me goosebumps, and I feel a warm sense of comfort. I love you too. xxxx"
"Everyone loves it when you sign off a message with besitos. Girls love it when you finish your text with 'xxxx' and a heart emoji."
"Besitos are for free, my girl. You know I'll take any chance I can to give you some small kisses. You're my angel, and I love you."
"Thanks for sending me the besitos, babe. Here come some right back at you! xxxx. I'll see you tonight. I can't wait to be with you again."
Origin
Language experts are at a loss to explain how besitos arrived in English conversations. However, many believe it comes from the integration of Latin-America communities into the Southwestern and Gulf states. The phrase became more popular in English as immigration spread through these areas.
The first entry of ‘besitos’ into the Urban Dictionary was in February 2005. Many experts attribute this to the rise of text messaging, where people would sign off texts to friends and family with ‘xxx,’ which is the abbreviated version of besitos and much easier to type on a phone keypad.
Phrases Similar to Besitos
- Small kisses.
- Kiss kiss.
Phrases Opposite to Besitos
- Big kisses.
- No kisses.
- Hugs
What is the Correct Saying?
- Besito
- Besitos
Ways People May Say Besitos Incorrectly
The term ‘besitos’ is the plural of ‘besito.’ If you’re sending one kiss, you use the singular, while many small kisses require using the plural. Typically, people use the plural more than the singular form of the expression.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Besitos
You can use the expression ‘besitos’ to replace ‘small kisses.’ The phrase suits verbal conversations and text messages. In verbal exchanges, you’ll use the word ‘besitos’; in text conversations, you’ll use lower-case x’s to represent the small kisses. You use besitos when showing affection to a friend or family member.
Typically, women use this expression more than men, although many gay men use it too. Besitos is a commonly understood term in Spanish-speaking households in Latin-American communities across the southwestern United States. Many English-speaking people will understand and use the word.