How do you read the symbol “x” when used instead of a preposition?

Question

For example: “Adidas x Stella McCartney “ or “Stan Smith x Adidas”
One of the most known uses I can think of is on “SXSW” and here the “X” is read as “By.” 
Is it correct to use it instead of the preposition “Of” or "For"?
To me is more natural to read it as in "By."
For example: in mathematics, the symbol × has a number of uses, including
—Multiplication of two scalar numbers, where it is read as "times" or "multiplied by" 
—Cross product of two vectors, where it is usually read as "cross"
—Cartesian product of two sets, where it is usually read as "cross"
—Geometric dimension of an object, such as noting that a room is 10 feet × 12 feet in area, where it is usually read as "by" (for example: "10 feet by 12 feet")
—Dimensions of a matrix, where it is usually read as "by"
—A statistical interaction between two explanatory variables, where it is usually read as "by"

greg · Answer

I think X is used in a lot of ways and I would be wary of trying to form a hard rule.

With 2 people joined by an X, i would assume it indicates a romantic relationship, but it might means  a HATES b.

i've seen it used in SQL to mean join or cross.

If i had to make a rule, id say it means the union of two things... it is South and Southwest ...roughly in a direction on a heading of 202 degrees.

I would not suggest to you to substitute X freely for any other word.

TonyK · Answer

I have not seen this usage before, but here it clearly means "by". For instance, this size of timber would be written as "4 x 3" and pronounced "four by three".

"Of" makes no sense here.

Greybeard · Answer

The points of the compass do not have a "South by Southwest" and the "by" is abbreviated "b".
Moving clockwise from South, we have:
south by west (SbW); south southwest (SSW), southwest by south (SWbS), southwest (SW). See Wiki at 32 Compass Points
As far as "Adidas x Stella McCartney" is concerned, I found this on the Harvey Nichols site. I would read it as ""Adidas designed by Stella McCartney"
There is also the biological use to indicate a hybrid, e.g. a liger is Panthera tigris × Panthera leo. Here, 'x' = crossed[bred] with.
"X" is only understandable in context. There is no rule (but I think you already knew that.)

Hot Licks · Answer

Absent (the sorely lacking) context, I would interpret “Adidas x Stella McCartney” and “Stan Smith x Adidas” as identifying court cases/lawsuits, and hence would read the "x" as meaning "versus".

Answered by Hot Licks on August 20, 2021

How do you read the symbol “x” when used instead of a preposition?

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