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TRUST 02-16-2004 20:42

Origin of the phrase "nous défions"
 
I am interested in the origin/history of the phrase "nous défions", which is associated with SF. I have conducted online searches, but with negative results. I know a little about it, but would like confirmation and a better understanding. I've most often seen it on SF artwork and 'unofficial insignia' clothing items.

Thanks in advance.
TRUST

Razor 02-16-2004 21:12

"We dare"

Airbornelawyer 02-16-2004 21:21

"We defy"

"We dare" is "Osons", which I believe is the motto of Canadian airborne forces. A number of French units whose heritage goes back to the WW2 SAS use the related "Qui ose, gagne", or "Who dares, wins."

Tracy 02-17-2004 00:42

Mott Lake, late '70s, Project Bluelight; which later became the SOT Course.

I have no idea who in Bluelight had the idea; or if it came from elsewhere. I remember seeing the motto publicly on T-Shirts AFTER Bluelight stood down and became a school house.

Razor 02-17-2004 16:50

Oops, you're correct AL, 'we dare' would be 'osons'. My bad. 'Nous defion' can also be translated as 'We challenge'.

TRUST 02-20-2004 16:07

1 Attachment(s)
Razor, Airbornelawyer, Tracy:

Thanks for the replies and information.

The info I was given was that the term was used by WW2 French resistance movements. It was adopted by OSS elements that worked with the French, then carried over to SF when those same OSS elements founded SF from the ashes of OSS.

Below are some examples of artwork, patches, and clothing items w/ the design.

TRUST

NousDefionsDoc 02-20-2004 16:16

Good thread TRUST

Cazador 01 02-24-2004 22:32

Nous Defions Mola
 
Once I get my stuff out of storage this weekend, I will post a mola from Panama in our favorite motif.

TRUST 02-25-2004 23:02

Quote:

Originally posted by NousDefionsDoc
Good thread TRUST
Thanks NDD, and thanks for the opportunity to be here.

Cazador 01,
Ok, I did some research and now that I know what a 'mola' is :D I'm looking fwd to having a glimpse.

TRUST

Desert Fox 02-26-2004 20:24

Hi,
As a French speaking Canadian I am able to ''translate'' the signification of ''nous defions''.
This is hard to explain, but this is a mix of ''we dare", "we threaten", "we defy".
This is not just daring, but also defy and challenging everything.
"Nous defions" sounds like an arrogant challenge to everybody and everything.

Hope it helped

Ambush Master 02-26-2004 20:37

Quote:

Originally posted by Desert Fox
Hi,
As a French speaking Canadian I am able to ''translate'' the signification of ''nous defions''.
This is hard to explain, but this is a mix of ''we dare", "we threaten", "we defy".
This is not just daring, but also defy and challenging everything.
"Nous defions" sounds like an arrogant challenge to everybody and everything.

Hope it helped

Many THANKS for that !!! Yup, that Title definitely FITS !!!! :D

NousDefionsDoc 02-26-2004 20:49

Damn straight.

Doc 12-23-2004 16:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desert Fox
Hi,
As a French speaking Canadian I am able to ''translate'' the signification of ''nous defions''.
This is hard to explain, but this is a mix of ''we dare", "we threaten", "we defy".
This is not just daring, but also defy and challenging everything.
"Nous defions" sounds like an arrogant challenge to everybody and everything.

Hope it helped

Thank you.

There it is.

Doc

TerribleTobyt 01-16-2005 20:34

1 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by Razor
Oops, you're correct AL, 'we dare' would be 'osons'. My bad. 'Nous defion' can also be translated as 'We challenge'.

Somewhere I've got my "Nous Defions" patch. If I can find it, I'll scan it and post the pic.

For now I'm gonna try to post a pic of SFODA-522, when we were instructors at Mott Lake, SOT-D.

OK, having trouble with the pic-error message says my pic is too large-don't know how to reduce it.

If anyone can host it, I'll send the pic by email. If it works, I got pics from SOAR past and Crhistmas pics from SFA ChXV, featuring COL Bob Howard, MOH, as guest speaker!!!

So alla y'all 'puter wonks hep a Brutha out!!!!!!!

TerribleTobyt 01-16-2005 21:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by NousDefionsDoc
You can send it to me at XXX@XXX and I'll post it for you in your original post.

Thanx Bro, Shot Out!!!!!!!!

:)


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