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Two-Way Radio Slang

It’s your first day on a construction site, and you have a shiny new two-way radio clipped to your belt. Everything is going smoothly until you hear, “Roger, Wilco. Unit 1, Over and Out!” crackling over the airwaves. You freeze. What on earth did that mean? It didn’t take long for you to realize that you were listening to a completely unique two-way radio language—one that’s essential for keeping things running smoothly.

Does the young construction worker above remind you at all of yourself? Are you feeling a little uncomfortable talking on your radio because you don’t want to sound like a complete “rookie?”

Actually, learning two-way radio slang is easier than it might seem. Let’s take a look at some common two-way radio slang that will help you negotiate the airwaves with confidence.

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Glossary of Common Two-Way Radio Slang

When you talk on a two-way radio, clear communication is vital, but often the language on the airwaves seems foreign. From “10-4” to “Roger that,” these unique walkie-talkie communication codes and walkie-talkie slang developed by radio users is more than just shorthand — it’s a way to stay efficient, focused, and understood.

Whether you’re a seasoned radio operator or you need a course in “walkie-talkie lingo for beginners,” understanding two-way radio terms of the “walkie-talkie dictionary” can help you avoid confusion and sound like a pro.

Ready for some tips on decoding the airwave language? Let’s dive into the quirky world of two-way radio slang.

Affirmative

This term is used to confirm receipt of a message. Instead of saying “Yes,” you would respond with “Affirmative.” It’s simple and straightforward and eliminates ambiguity in noisy environments.

All Clear

This term is used to announce that a situation is safe and the danger or concern has passed. You might hear this after an emergency has been handled or when an area has been secured.

Break

This term is used when someone needs to interrupt an ongoing conversation on the radio, typically in emergencies or urgent situations. “Break, break, break” can be used to alert users to a serious situation that requires immediate attention.

Breaker

“Breaker” is used when someone wants to join an ongoing conversation. “Breaker” or “Breaker, Breaker” is often said before asking for permission to speak or to gain access to the channel.

Charlie Foxtrot

“Charlie Foxtrot” is one of the more curious phrases. It is actually military slang for a chaotic situation, sometimes referred to as a “Cluster F.” While it’s used more humorously in non-military settings, it signals a situation that is disorganized or out of control.

Copy

When someone says “Copy” over the radio, they’re letting the other person know they’ve understood the message. It’s a short and quick way to confirm comprehension without having to say, “I understand.”

Dead Key

“Dead key” refers to when a radio user accidentally presses the push-to-talk button without actually saying anything. It can be disruptive to other users because it occupies the channel with silence or static.

ETA

“ETA” stands for “Estimated Time of Arrival.” This acronym is often used to provide or request an expected time frame for someone’s arrival or the completion of a task.

Go Ahead

When you hear “Go ahead” on call, it’s a signal that the channel is open, and you are free to transmit your message. This phrase allows for clear transitions between speakers.

Handle

A “Handle” refers to a person’s radio nickname or call sign. For instance, “This is Tiger One” might be someone’s radio handle. It helps identify users without using full names, adding some anonymity and brevity to the conversation.

Key Up

To “Key up” means to press the push-to-talk button on the radio. “Keying up” allows the user to transmit a message, but it’s also a reminder not to speak before keying up or to avoid keeping the button pressed unnecessarily.

Mayday

Used exclusively in life-threatening emergencies, “Mayday” is the radio equivalent of an SOS distress signal. It’s repeated three times in succession— “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday” —to indicate that a dire situation is underway.

Over

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“Over” is used to indicate the end of a transmission. Since two-way radios only allow one person to speak at a time, saying “Over” lets the other crew member know it’s their turn to speak.

Out

“Out” signifies the end of communication. When someone says “Out,” they’re letting everyone know they are finished with the conversation and no longer available for radio contact. In combination, you might hear “Over and out,” meaning the speaker is done talking and signing off altogether.

Radio Check

If you need to verify that your radio is working properly, you might ask for a “Radio check” or a “Radio Service Check.” The typical response would be either “Loud and clear” or “Weak,” depending on the signal’s quality.

Roger

“Roger” is short for “received,” and it’s a term that dates back to military radio communication. It’s used to acknowledge that a message has been received and understood, similar to “Copy.”

Say Again

If someone says “Say again,” they’re asking for a repeat of the last transmission. This term is preferred over “What?” or “Can you repeat that?” because it’s clear and understood in various professional settings.

Stand By

“Stand by” is a request for someone to wait before speaking or transmitting. It’s a polite way to let others know that you are busy or need a moment before you can respond.

Wilco

“Wilco” stands for “Will comply.” This term means that not only have you received the instructions, but you also intend to follow them. It combines “Roger” and a commitment to action.

The Two-Way Radio 10-Code

To streamline radio talk even moreso, a shorthand system known as the “10-Code” was developed. These numeric codes simplify messages, reduce radio traffic, and minimize confusion in urgent situations. Below is just a sampling of the APCO two-way radio 10-Code list. Click here for all 100+ codes.

Trust the Pros at SJM Industrial Radio

Learning the slang used in two-way radio communication helps make conversations faster, more precise, and more efficient. Whether you’re a seasoned radio user or just starting, knowing this radio slang will keep you in the loop and make you sound like a two-way radio pro on the airwaves.

And speaking of two-way radio pros, the communications experts at SJM Industrial Radio stand ready to meet your every two-way radio need. Whether it be sales or rentals of two-way radios for your next event or project or the complete ground-up design and construction of a complex communications system, SJM Industrial Radio is the professional choice.

Founded in 1991, SJM Radio is a family-owned business that prides itself on creative custom communications solutions and personalized customer service. SJM is a Platinum Motorola Radio Channel Solutions Partner serving the Los Angeles area for over 30 years. They sell a full line of quality Motorola two-way communications equipment.

So keep your foremen and construction crews, production assistants, stunt and movie crews, security staff and more CONNECTED!

Come by or call the award-winning team at SJM Industrial Radio today!

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