We’ve all come across the signal “SOS,” widely recognized around the world as a call for help. Many people assume it means things like “Save Our Souls” or “Help, Oh Help!” But interestingly, those interpretations came long after the signal was first introduced. So, what do those three letters really mean? The truth might surprise you. A Code Designed for Simplicity Contrary to popular belief, SOS isn’t an acronym at all. It doesn’t stand for any specific words. Its origins trace back to 1908, when it was officially selected as the international distress signal for maritime communication, especially in Morse code. Why was it chosen? Because of its sheer simplicity and clarity