X are known for their short stature, green hair, orange skin and white pants with protruding knees. In early editions of the novel, X's are shown as African pygmies. Following growing controversy and criticism, in later editions of the book, X  are portrayed as white skinned and golden haired.

X come from Loompaland, which is a region of Loompa, a small isolated island in the Atlantic Ocean. X would often end up being preyed upon or attacked by Whangdoodles, Hornswogglers and Snozzywangers, which also lived there. Y ended up inviting them to work at his factory and get away from their natural predators.ID X and Y.