# Origin/meaning of SOS

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-meaning-of-sos/58031>\
**Category:** Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports\
**Created:** [March 15, 2001, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-meaning-of-sos/58031 "2001-03-15T01:10:54Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Jimdotcom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Jimdotcom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jimdotcom)\
**Post date:** [March 15, 2001, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-meaning-of-sos/58031/1 "2001-03-15T01:10:54Z")

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While the answer might be tecnically correct; SOS has acquired a new meaning among recreational sailors.  
Sin  
Or  
Swim

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**Author:** ![Arnold\_Winkelried](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\
**Post date:** [March 15, 2001, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-meaning-of-sos/58031/2 "2001-03-15T01:52:36Z")

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Welcome to the SDMB, and thank you for posting your comment.

The moderator of this forum has asked that posters include a link to the Staff Report or Mailbag Item that is being discussed.

To include a link, it can be as simple as including the web page location in your post (make sure there is a space **before** and **after** the text of the URL).

The Staff Report can be found on-line at this link:  
[What does “SOS” mean? (11-Jan-2001)](http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/msos.html)