Top definition
Some people may be wondering why anybody would yell "May Day" when they are in trouble. Here is why:
It derives from the French "m'aidez", pronounced "mayDAY," and means literally "help me."
It derives from the French "m'aidez", pronounced "mayDAY," and means literally "help me."
If you are in distress while flying an airplane, calling "Mayday mayday mayday" over the radio will give you top priority and any help people on the ground or in the air can offer.
by Athene Airheart May 02, 2004
2
international distress radio code word, when using voice transmission
SOS is the morse code version
MAYDAY is reconized internationally as an emergency code on any type of radio system, and should be taken seriously.
SOS is the morse code version
MAYDAY is reconized internationally as an emergency code on any type of radio system, and should be taken seriously.
by IrishRepublicanArmy October 28, 2003
3
It is an emergency procedure word used internationally as a distress signal in voice procedure radio communications. It derives from the French venez m'aider, meaning "come help me".
It is used to signal a life-threatening emergency primarily by mariners and aviators but in some countries local organisations such as police forces, firefighters, and transportation organizations may also use the term. The call is always given three times in a row ("Mayday Mayday Mayday") to prevent mistaking it for some similar-sounding phrase under noisy conditions, and to distinguish an actual Mayday call from a message about a Mayday call.
A mayday situation is one in which a vessel, aircraft, vehicle, or person is in grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance. Examples of "grave and imminent danger" in which a mayday call would be appropriate include fire, explosion or sinking.
Civilian aircraft in the UK and Europe are encouraged to use the following format:
MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY; Name of station addressed; Aircraft callsign; Nature of emergency; Intentions of the pilot; Present position (including Altitude or Flight level); Pilot's qualifications; Any other useful information (number of souls on board.)
It is used to signal a life-threatening emergency primarily by mariners and aviators but in some countries local organisations such as police forces, firefighters, and transportation organizations may also use the term. The call is always given three times in a row ("Mayday Mayday Mayday") to prevent mistaking it for some similar-sounding phrase under noisy conditions, and to distinguish an actual Mayday call from a message about a Mayday call.
A mayday situation is one in which a vessel, aircraft, vehicle, or person is in grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance. Examples of "grave and imminent danger" in which a mayday call would be appropriate include fire, explosion or sinking.
Civilian aircraft in the UK and Europe are encouraged to use the following format:
MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY; Name of station addressed; Aircraft callsign; Nature of emergency; Intentions of the pilot; Present position (including Altitude or Flight level); Pilot's qualifications; Any other useful information (number of souls on board.)
MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY, this is NONSUCH, NONSUCH, NONSUCH. MAYDAY, NONSUCH. Position 54 25 North 016 33 West. My boat is on fire and sinking. I require immediate assistance. Four people on board, are taking a lifeboat. MAYDAY NONSUCH, OVER."
by ralook_blondy November 29, 2011
4
A longstanding and historical tradition at Washington College, in which students get naked and run around on the green while hammered. It occurs every year on a weekend near the 1st of May.
Legend goes that the first May Day was held by a professor in the 60's, along with several of his students.
Legend goes that the first May Day was held by a professor in the 60's, along with several of his students.
"I barely remember May Day. All I know is that I woke up the next day in someone else's room with a bite mark on my arm and a gash on my butt. I'm still not sure who bit me."
by MsPrudence September 28, 2011
5
distress call (derived from french : m'aide) lit. help me
A public holiday (in may) in the united kingdom.
A public holiday (in may) in the united kingdom.
may-day, may-day we have lost control of the aircraft
by djgreen_uk August 26, 2006
6
A day made in honor of May, though this day can fall on any day of the year it is to honor, admire, appreciate, and celebrate May. This day usually falls on everyday of the year for Tlyer, as he always honors, admires, appreciates and celebrates May.
(Has absolutely nothing to do with the month of the same name.)
(Has absolutely nothing to do with the month of the same name.)
SURPRISE MAY!! IT IS MAY DAY!! TIME TO APPRECIATE, HONOR, AND ADMIRE YOU MAY!! CAUSE IT'S MAY DAY!! IT IS MAY DAY EVERY SINGLE DAY!!
by TLYER IS ME November 06, 2020