"Pan Pan" derivation

[skytops]

"Mayday" comes from the French "M'aidez"...

But from where does Pan Pan derive please?

(Had a quick search on forum without success).

Thanks.

[Simtech]

Hi skytops,

I don't know if anyone knows the real derivation; the most common opinion seems to be that 'PAN' is derived from the French 'Panne' which translates as breakdown.

HTH,

Simtech

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

I always thought a "Pan" call meant there was a fire in the galley.

[Simtech]

HD,

Would that become a "Pain" call if the French bread gets stuck in the oven?

73,

Simtech

[skytops]

Thanks Simtech,

Yes indeed, "etre en panne" (to have a breakdown). Didn't think of that. Sounds a feasible enough derivation to me.

That could explain why we're told to pronounce it as "parn parn" (similar to French pronounciation of "panne") rather than "pan pan" (as most English speakers would), couldn't it.

[Spodman]

PAN comes from .--. .- -. which is morse code for PAN... Picked, like SOS, coz it sounds funky & instantly recognisable in morse.

[Simtech]

PAN is not used as the Morse urgency signal; XXX or -..- -..- -..- is used, either by radio or by light.

Agreed, it is easy to recognise, along with SOS, TTT (the safety signal) and your station's callsign.

Simtech (former Merchant Navy Radio Officer)

[taffman]

Pan, latin I believe meaning for all. As in Pan Am, for all America

[BLK 33]

Greek, surely, taffy?

I think Simtech summarises the situation; i.e. no one knows for sure, but "panne" generally gets the most votes.

[Farmer 1]

Derivation
See the list of French phrases used by English speakers. The French word "panne" nominally refers to a mechanical failure or breakdown of any kind.

(Wikipedia)

I've never heard of a Greek connection before.

[BLK 33]

Farmer
I was referring to the preceding post in the initial part of mine.

[Carnage Matey!]

My aircraft has broken down -> mon avion a été en panne

[Farmer 1]

Originally Posted by BLK 33

Farmer
I was referring to the preceding post in the initial part of mine.

Duh....

Sorry, BLK 33. It's been a long week.

[taffman]

Greeks in the classical age associated Pans name with the word pan meaning "all" and is probably connected with the verb paô. Latin. However, it true origin may be in an old Arkadian word for rustic.