We all recognize the distress signal “SOS.” From survival movies to roadside emergency boxes, it’s one of the most famous signals in the world. Most people assume it stands for “Save Our Souls” or “Save Our Ship.” But here’s the truth:
It doesn’t stand for anything.
Born from Morse Code
Adopted in 1908 for maritime emergencies, SOS was chosen because of its clarity in Morse code:

S = … (three short dots)
O = — (three long dashes)
S = … (three short dots)
This simple “dot dot dot – dash dash dash – dot dot dot” pattern was easy to transmit, recognize, and repeat, even in chaos.

Beyond the Ocean
Its strength lies in versatility. SOS can be:
Flashed with a light
Written in sand or snow
Formed with rocks or sticks
Broadcasted over radio
Because it’s symmetrical, it’s instantly readable forward and backward—another reason it became universal.

Meaning Added Later
The emotional phrases like “Save Our Souls” came afterward, giving the signal a dramatic backstory. But originally, SOS wasn’t an abbreviation at all. Its true power comes from simplicity.
A Lasting Symbol
Today, SOS remains a timeless sign of urgency, understood everywhere—whether on the sea, in survival kits, or in everyday language as a universal cry for help.