It stands for self- contained underwater breathing apparatus. For example, the word “scuba” is an acronym. A backronym is a combination of two words: backward and acronym.Īn acronym is an abbreviation, a shorter version of a long word or expression. is an example of a new, if somewhat unofficial, word in the English language. has come to mean that because of how we use it – when we need to be saved, as when a ship is sinking. stands for “Save Our Ship” or “Save Our Souls.” It does not. Now, it is simply known as S.O.S.īut many people think that S.O.S. These sounds represent the international call for help because they are easy to recognize.

In the language of Morse code, the letter “S” is three short dots and the letter “O” is three longer dashes.

For years, telegraph operators used Morse code to communicate across the country and around the world.Ī skilled operator could send and receive 30 or 40 words a minute. It is the Morse code distress signal S.O.S. What you are listening to is a call for help. Each week we tell about some popular American expressions. Now, the VOA Learning English program, Words and Their Stories.ĭifferent people have different ways of saying things – their own special expressions.

What does sos mean