The Volokh Conspiracy

Mostly law professors | Sometimes contrarian | Often libertarian | Always independent

Crime

Mayday, Mayday!

Why is that a call for help?

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The distress signal "Mayday!" doesn't come from May day, but rather from "French m'aidez or m'aider 'help me!,'" to quote the Oxford English Dictionary. Now you know—and knowing is half the battle.