What Does SOS Mean?

SOS is a series of dots and dashes in International Morse Code that is used to signal distress. SOS is communicated by sending three dots, three dashes, and three dots—three dots representing the letter “S” and three dashes representing the letter “O.” This sequence is simple and easy to remember, making it an effective way to notify others of an emergency. SOS is not an acronym, although it has sometimes been treated as one in popular imagination; “save our ship” and “save our souls” are the most common suggested “meanings” for the signal. SOS is recognized internationally, and it is used by ships and aircraft to summon assistance when in danger. SOS has a related meaning when it appears on wireless devices, as it indicates that the user has lost access to the cellular network and can only make emergency calls.