Ever opened Snapchat and noticed there’s an x next to someone’s name? You’re not alone. This tiny symbol is messing with everyone’s head, making you wonder—what does it actually mean? If you’ve been scratching your head or lowkey freaking out, don’t worry. Let’s unpack the mystery behind that curious x and why it’s got people chatting, laughing, and sometimes panicking. Spoiler alert: it’s not as dramatic as you think! 😅
What Does It Mean When There’s an X Next to Someone’s Name on Snapchat?
Simply put, when you see an x next to someone’s name on Snapchat, it usually means there’s no recent Snap interaction between you two. Snapchat uses different emojis and symbols to track your Snap-score friendship levels, like the famous 🔥 fire emoji for Snapstreaks or the yellow heart for best friends. But an x? It’s Snapchat’s subtle (or not-so-subtle) way of telling you that the friendship score basically reset or that you’re low on Snap interactions with that person.
Think of it as a digital nudge: “Hey, you haven’t been Snapping with this person lately!” It can also pop up if someone has removed you from their friends list, though it’s mostly about inactivity. So no, it’s not a sign of doom or anything super sinister. It’s just Snapchat’s way of keeping your feed fresh and your friendships active.
Origin Story: Where Did the X Come From?
The x emoji or “cross” next to names isn’t part of Snapchat’s official emoji set like the fire or heart emojis. Instead, it’s kinda a community-driven slang that started popping on forums, TikTok, and Twitter fan bases—where users try to decode weird Snapchat symbols.
Basically, users noticed that friends who weren’t interacting would have an x or cross next to their names in various Snapchat views. Over time, the “x” became shorthand for “inactive” or “ghosted friendships” online. And of course, the meme accounts ran wild with it:
“When you see an x next to your ex’s name on Snapchat 💀” or “Me checking for x’s next to my friends after I forgot to Snap them for a week lol” 😂
How to Use the X Next to Someone’s Name on Snapchat?
Honestly, you don’t really “use” the x next to someone’s name on Snapchat like an emoji in a chat. Instead, it’s more of a status indicator. But now that it’s a meme staple, people incorporate the idea in chats and social media posts like so:
“Just saw an x next to my crush’s name on Snapchat… guess I’m officially ghosted 👻”
“If there’s an x next to your name on my Snapchat, it means you broke the streak and my heart 🧍♀️💔”
Basically, it’s perfect for teasing friends when you haven’t been sending snaps or when someone becomes a “Snap ghost”—a friend who’s abandoned the app.
The Do’s and Don’ts of X Etiquette on Snapchat
- Do check your Snap interactions if you see an x and want to revive a friendship.
- Don’t overthink seeing an x; it’s not personal—it’s just app algorithm vibes.
- Do use the x symbol jokingly in your DMs to poke fun at inactive friends.
- Don’t send an x emoji as an insult or clapback; keep it lighthearted.
- Do pair it with memes or gifs for max comedic effect.
Funny Ways the ‘X Next to Name’ Pops Up Online
This little symbol has sparked all kinds of hilarious content—mostly around the drama we imagine the x next to someone’s name on Snapchat creates.
Example 1: A TikTok video where someone freaks out seeing an x next to their boo’s name, then cuts to them dramatically crying in front of a pizza box. (Relatable 🎭)
Example 2: Meme tweets like:
“When you see an x next to your Snapchat bestie and have to schedule a full apology Snap just to fix it.”
Example 3: Group chats turning the x into a hashtag: #SnapchatXClub for anyone who’s been “ghosted” on social apps.
Wrapping It Up
So next time you wonder, “What does it mean when there’s an x next to someone’s name on Snapchat?” remember: it’s Snapchat’s subtle way of telling you there’s been low or zero Snap interaction lately. It’s less of a breakup symbol and more of a gentle tap on the shoulder from the app itself. Use it to laugh at yourself, roast your friends, or maybe even nudge someone to start snapping again. Because in the wild world of Snapchat slang, the x is the new “you up?” text—only cooler (and a bit cryptic). 😎
