For many, SOS is widely recognized as the universal distress signal, but its actual meaning has long been misunderstood. Some believe it stands for “Save Our Ship” or “Save Our Souls”, but the reality is quite different—and far simpler.
SOS Has No Literal Meaning
Despite common assumptions, the letters SOS do not stand for any specific words. When the distress call was formally established in 1908 for maritime emergencies, it was chosen not for its meaning but for its simplicity in Morse code.
The signal consists of:
- “…” (three dots) for “S”
- “— — —” (three dashes) for “O”
- “…” (three dots) again for “S”
This pattern was selected because it is quick to transmit and easy to recognize, even in difficult communication conditions.
Why Was SOS Chosen Over Other Codes?
Before SOS, ships used CQD as a distress signal, which combined different Morse code elements. However, CQD was deemed too complex, leading to potential confusion in high-stress situations. SOS provided a much clearer and more reliable alternative, ensuring that distress signals were instantly recognized.
Over time, SOS became the standard distress signal worldwide, not just in maritime settings but also in verbal and written communication. The phrases “Save Our Ship” and “Save Our Souls” were later associated with SOS, but they were simply acronyms added for memorability—not the original meaning.
Why Is SOS Still Used Today?
Beyond Morse code, SOS remains widely recognized as a universal call for help. Its simplicity extends beyond radio signals—it can also be easily communicated through light flashes, sound, and even written signs.
A discussion on social media revealed how many people were surprised by this revelation. One Reddit user, Cristian-28400, shared:
“All of us who said ‘Save Our Souls’ or ‘Save Our Ship’ were wrong. SOS was created before we gave it a meaning.”
Another, LittleLordFontalot, highlighted an often-overlooked advantage of SOS:
“The sound of the pips is easy to remember, transmit, and understand. The same goes for the code used with a flashlight.”
Meanwhile, one user humorously recalled their childhood misunderstanding:
“My brother told me it was ‘Save Our Sausages,’ and I believed him for years.”
Though its origins are rooted in Morse code, SOS remains a universal symbol of distress, proving that sometimes, simplicity is the most effective form of communication.
