Xian

See also: xī'àn, xian, xián, xiàn, xiān, xiǎn, Xi'an, Xī'ān, and xī'ān

English

Etymology 1

From the pinyin romanization of Chinese 西安 (Xī'ān, “Western Peace”).

Proper noun

Xian

1. (sometimes proscribed) Alternative form of Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi, China.

Etymology 2

From X as a stand-in for Ancient Greek Χ (Kh) as an initial representing Χριστος (Khristos, “Christ, the Anointed One”), q.v. In present use, a modern coinage after the model of Xmas.

Alternative forms

• xian

Noun

Xian (plural Xians)

1. (sometimes derogatory or offensive) Abbreviation of Christian.

Adjective

Xian (not comparable)

1. (sometimes derogatory or offensive) Abbreviation of Christian.

Usage notes

Although there is nothing offensive in the derivation of the term itself, its informal nature and use among skeptics and atheists sometimes makes the form seem dismissive or offensive to Christians.

Related terms

• Xianity, Xtianity
• Xmas

 

References

• What does 'xian' mean?

Anagrams

• Axin, Naxi, axin