What is the etymology and meaning of Oss?

Question

I've moved to a new location, and have started training with a new Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school. My previous school made absolutely no use of the word "oss". It is, however, ubiquitous with my new school.

At times, it is phrased as a question, "Oss?" To which we reply, "Oss."

I realize it is a response, usually affirmative, or in agreement, basically meaning "yes", but I suspect there is more to it.

If I post a Jiu-Jitsu photo to Instagram, for example, some users will reply with "oss" indicating some show of support or camaraderie I presume.

It seems to be used for a variety of different reasons.

I have read the similar question / answer – When is it appropriate to respond with osu? – but the OP's question is specifically about when to say "osu" not what "oss" means. None of the answers given to that post provide any citations or references for their answers, and only one specifically answers the OP's original question of "when" to say "osu". I presume "osu" to be an ancestor of the presently used "oss". Or is "oss" some slang derivation?

What is the etymology and meaning of "oss"?

Answer 1

Oss is...

Also known as

Osu or Ossu (オッス)

The Meaning of Oss

• good morning (additional reference)
• persevering when pushed
• to push and to suffer¹
• to keep the faith¹
• the equivalent of a warm-handshake¹
• hello, yes, or I understand, (additional reference)
• a greeting used by young Bushi warriors of the Saga clan in the 18th and 19th centuries²
• acknowledging an opponent's good, hard technique, or, their skill, (additional reference)
• the absolute and unfaltering devotion needed to "scale the cliff" of a martial art discipline
• good job, rad, or kewl brah³

From Kyokushin Karate:

This strength of character develops in hard training and is known as Osu no Seishin 押忍の精神 (the Spirit of Osu). The word Osu comes from Oshi Shinobu 押し忍ぶ, which means "to persevere whilst being pushed". It implies a willingness to push oneself to the limits of endurance, to persevere under any kind of pressure.

From Carlson Gracie's philosophy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:

In BJJ, Carslon Gracie introduced the use of the word “Oss” and it rightly fits the mentality of Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu: Brave, determined, strong, smashing. It’s a bit similar to the war cry “Hoo-ah” that you will hear U.S. Marines use.

The Etymology of Oss, Osu, and Ossu

Osaku

• オッスは、戦前、京都にあった武道専門学校の生徒の間から生まれた言葉で、「おはようございます」の略。... 「おはようございます」が「おはよーっす」となり、「おわーす」「おす」と変化していった ... 挨拶として用いられる「オッス」は「おはようございます」が略されたものだが、:: "Osaku" stands for "Good morning" in the words born among students of the martial arts vocational school which was in Kyoto before the war. ... "Good morning" was changed to "Oh yeah," and it changed to "Ohuu" and "Osu". ... "Osu" used as a greeting is the abbreviation of "Good morning".

Meaning, good morning.

Osu-ni

• その「おす」に、武道の精神である「自我を抑え我慢する」という意味の「押して忍ぶ」が当てられ、漢字では「押忍」と表記されるようになった。:: To "push and endure" meaning "to hold back the ego" in the spirit of martial arts in which it was applied. In Kanji, it was written as "Osu-ni".

Meaning, to push on and endure while also holding back the ego.

Oshi Shinobu

• 押し :: Oshi meaning "Push"
• 忍ぶ :: Shinobu meaning "to Endure"
• to persevere while being pushed

Meaning, patience, determination, and perseverance.

Onegaishimasu

• おねがいします :: Onegaishimasu or Onegai Shimasu meaning "Please", (additional reference)

Meaning, a polite or honorific way of requesting something from another, of saying "please".

Ohayossu, Ohayoosu, and Oossu

From Jesse Enkamp of Karate by Jesse, who quotes Dr. Mizutani Osamu⁴:

• オハヨス :: "Ohayossu!”, “Ohayoosu!”, “Oossu!” meaning "Hey ya!"

Meaning, "hey ya", by male runners in the midst of jogging, responding in rougher, masculine ways to Dr. Mizutani's greeting to them of "Ohayo gozaimasu!" (good morning).⁴

Conclusion

The term oss, which is derived from osu or ossu, has a variety of interpretations and meanings.

But there is a common essence shared among them all.

Oss means having humility and an acknowledgement of respect for the person to whom it is being spoken. It means to have a perspective of strength and perseverance towards a challenge that is being addressed, or, that is to be endured. And in more general or colloquial contexts, it operates as an affirmative acknowledgment, a greeting, or a polite request.

¹_{FEY, B.R., 1994, To oss or not to oss: that is the question, Dojo Magazine, Winter 1994, p. 80-81}
²_{Tsunetomo, Yamamoto, Hagakure, The Book of the Samurai, ~ 1709-1716}
³_{These are general impressions from training, class, and, sigh, bro-jitsu experiences.}
⁴_{Mizutani, Osamu, Japanese: The Spoken Language in Japanese Life, Tokyo, Sotakusha, Inc., 1981, p. 59-60}

Answer 2

We don't use the phrase in my school, Karate or Aikido. But I know of some who do; and not being a part of them, I admit ignorance on the subject.

However, this article might be helpful:

The History & Origins of “Osu!”

Yes, it does discuss "when", but it also discusses the etymology. And there is the implication that there isn't a definitive source out there. I like KarateByJesse and his articles; but he doesn't source this one, and so, you might want to take it with a grain of salt.