Xc

What athletic activity is xc short for?

Cross country

Xc is an abbreviation for running or cycling events held over long distances across varied terrain. In athletics, people use "xc" to describe both the sport itself and the races, like a high school or college cross country meet. The term became especially popular in the late 20th century as organized cross-country events gained traction, and it has remained in both casual conversation and competitive circles as a quick and easy way to refer to the sport.

Beyond athletics, you may encounter "xc" in online marketplaces like eBay or sneaker forums. In this context, people may use it to describe clothing or footwear suitable for cross-country or outdoor activities. While the primary users are athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts, the term has also spread to casual runners and cyclists, as well as online communities discussing gear and active lifestyles.

Example

Are you running the XC meet this weekend?
Yeah, can’t wait! The course is supposed to be really scenic
Nice! I’ll cheer you on. XC season always goes by so fast

Finishing an xc race

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Updated September 23, 2025

xc definition by Slang.net - The Slang Dictionary

This page explains what the abbreviation "xc" means. The definition, example, and related terms listed above have been manually compiled and written by the Slang.net team.

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