WW2 Acronym OS - what does it mean?

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John

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WW2 Acronym OS - what does it mean?
« on: January 06, 2018, 10:31 »
I'm researching the Dig for Victory campaign and am stuck on the meaning of what must have been a common expression.

In the September 1945 allotment & garden growing guide, issued as part of the Dig for Victory campaign, the introduction says:
"... the gardener who has done his job well can indulge in a satisfied smile in September, when he surveys the fruits of his labours and decides on those "O.S." fruits and vegetables that will represent his household at the church or chapel harvest festival ..."

Does anyone know what the "O.S." stands for?
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jaydig

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Re: WW2 Acronym OS - what does it mean?
« Reply #1 on: January 06, 2018, 10:49 »
Out size????

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DD.

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Re: WW2 Acronym OS - what does it mean?
« Reply #2 on: January 06, 2018, 10:54 »
OutStanding?
Did it really tell you to do THAT on the packet?

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8doubles

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Re: WW2 Acronym OS - what does it mean?
« Reply #3 on: January 06, 2018, 10:58 »
Over sized would be my best bet !
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John

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Re: WW2 Acronym OS - what does it mean?
« Reply #4 on: January 06, 2018, 11:07 »
I've a feeling it's something like Operational Surplus - a lot of military acronyms made it into common parlance in the war. Just hoping we've an ex-military or older member who knows.

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8doubles

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Re: WW2 Acronym OS - what does it mean?
« Reply #5 on: January 06, 2018, 12:39 »
I've a feeling it's something like Operational Surplus - a lot of military acronyms made it into common parlance in the war. Just hoping we've an ex-military or older member who knows.

I did consider something surplus but thought the phrase might be a misnomer in times of food shortages and rationing.

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mumofstig

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Re: WW2 Acronym OS - what does it mean?
« Reply #6 on: January 06, 2018, 16:49 »
Not relevant to veg, but thought OS was just Ordnace Survey  :lol:

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Offwego

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Re: WW2 Acronym OS - what does it mean?
« Reply #7 on: January 06, 2018, 18:37 »
OS= outstanding would have my vote being an opposite to US  = useless ??

no reference implied or  intended  Us is a common acronym for useless
« Last Edit: January 06, 2018, 18:39 by Offwego »

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John

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Re: WW2 Acronym OS - what does it mean?
« Reply #8 on: January 06, 2018, 19:18 »
US was Un-Serviceable That one I know :)

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arh

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Re: WW2 Acronym OS - what does it mean?
« Reply #9 on: January 07, 2018, 07:57 »
John is right on the button again. OS was operational surplus, (at least it was in 1953, when I was in the forces), and US was as he said, plus MT stood for empty, (when chalked on items) as against Military transport.

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John

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Re: WW2 Acronym OS - what does it mean?
« Reply #10 on: January 07, 2018, 09:44 »
John is right on the button again. OS was operational surplus, (at least it was in 1953, when I was in the forces), and US was as he said, plus MT stood for empty, (when chalked on items) as against Military transport.
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It was really frustrating not being sure. And thanks for confirming US and explaining MT (so obvious when you know)

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sunshineband

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Re: WW2 Acronym OS - what does it mean?
« Reply #11 on: January 07, 2018, 10:16 »
I think that should be re-adopted when we have gluts of courgettes or runner beans... offering someone your OS courgettes somehow sounds like they could be something special  :lol: :lol:
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New shoot

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Re: WW2 Acronym OS - what does it mean?
« Reply #12 on: January 07, 2018, 12:37 »
I think that should be re-adopted when we have gluts of courgettes or runner beans... offering someone your OS courgettes somehow sounds like they could be something special  :lol: :lol:

I can see a plan forming, but I would advise going for broke in the first few weeks.  People will soon get wise to that one and you may find OS comes to mean 'well you know what you can do with your courgettes, now Off  S**'  :lol:

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compostqueen

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Re: WW2 Acronym OS - what does it mean?
« Reply #13 on: January 21, 2018, 19:35 »
i think it’s outstanding   When me and dad were choosing produce for the show or harvest festival,we’d choose the outstanding ones 

I’ve got a dig for victory allotment cook book and it’s so funny   It alludes to the fact that you probably haven’t got a pan left in the house as they’ve all gone for bombs and bullets !  😁


 

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