Word of the Day: MAYDAY

Help me!

mayday (noun) - an internationally recognized radio distress call; a call for urgent help

BREAKDOWN: The first day of May, traditionally known as May Day, carries special significance for many groups. The Celts celebrated Beltane on this day to welcome the height of spring, and May Day is still recognized as a joyful pagan holiday. International Workers' Day or Labour Day, also observed on this day, celebrates the achievements of workers around the world.

The word mayday, however, derives from completely different origins. In the early 20th century, ships and airplanes broadcast S.O.S.—meaning Save Our Ship, Save Our Soul, or whatever else sounded wry at the time—over Morse code to call for assistance. However, issues arose with crying S.O.S. over radio, so a new call was needed. Based on the French m’aidez (or technically venez m’aider) meaning help me, a new distress call having nothing to do with the first day of the fifth month was born.

[Our Wednesday Wildcards are fascinating and important words that are not necessarily derived from classical roots.]