phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

The Phrase Finder
Home | Search the phrases.org.uk website Search | Discussion Forum Home
Facebook  Twitter

In the Search box

Posted by Bob on September 17, 2004

In Reply to: On or off the air posted by Lotg on September 17, 2004

: This term is common enough and used in radio communications, and even now, more casually in email communications. eg. I'll be off the air for a while, but I'll email you later.

: I assume this originated from the term 'air waves', but can anyone tell me when?

: Also there seem to have been some transitions re communication rules as well.

: eg. Once to acknowledge receipt of a radio communication people would say 'roger', 'over' - seems to be used to indicate that you've finished what you're saying but you're 'handing over' for a response, 'out' seems to finalise the communication. Dunno what 'Roger Wilco (sp?)' is supposed to signify. But I've heard variations such as 'roger that' - which seems to be yes, I acknowledge or understand, but then I also thought that 'roger' meant the same thing - so when was the word 'that' appended? And the very latest is 'copy that', which seems to mean the same thing.

: Are there consistent international rules? Does anyone know them? What is the correct lingo now?

We've had a number or good discussions about "Roger" (note the R) and "Wilco" (will comply) ... all available in the archives. try typing these words into the Search box.

© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.