SOS button
Unicode: 1F198
Description
A red square with the white uppercase letters 'SOS' inside, indicating a distress signal.
Group:
Symbols > alphanum
Status:
fully-qualified
Emotion:
Represents urgency, emergency, help needed, or a call for attention.
Backstory
The SOS signal originated in Morse code as a common and easily recognizable distress signal. While not an acronym, it is often associated with phrases like 'Save Our Souls' or 'Save Our Ship.' This emoji was introduced in Unicode 6.0 (2010), representing the internationally recognized symbol for urgent help.
Usage Examples
- Indicating a real emergency: 'Lost in the woods, need help, SOS! 🆘'
- Figuratively expressing a desperate situation: 'My Wi-Fi just died, SOS! 🆘'
- Calling for attention playfully: 'I'm starving, SOS! 🆘'
- Highlighting a critical issue: 'The project deadline is tomorrow, SOS! 🆘'
Cultural Differences
Western culture:
Universally recognized as a distress signal, often associated with maritime or survival situations. Also used metaphorically for personal crises.
East Asian culture:
Generally understood as a distress signal. May also be seen in a more playful or exaggerated context for minor inconveniences, similar to how it's sometimes used in Western internet slang.