XO Sauce - Etymology

Etymology

The name XO sauce comes from fine XO (extra-old) cognac, which is a popular Western liquor in Hong Kong and considered by many to be a chic product there. In addition the term XO is often used in the popular culture of Hong Kong to denote high quality, prestige, and luxury. In fact, XO sauce has been marketed in the same manner as the French liquor, using packaging of similar colour schemes.

In Hong Kong English, "XO" is pronounced "ix-oh" /ˌɪks ˈoʊ/ instead of "ex-oh" /ˌɛks ˈoʊ/.

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