Roger Wilco

Posted by Bob on June 08, 2003

In Reply to: Roger Wilco posted by Henry on June 07, 2003

: : Greetings everyone...
: : This is my first time visiting this site. I'm just trying to learn the origin of the term "Roger that". I would imagine it started in the Military but I was curious when it came about and in what War, etc... If you have any feedback...I would appreciate it.
: : Thanks,
: : PaladinWarrio

: From the Archives under Roger Wilco;
: ROGER -- "in the meaning of 'Yes, O.K., I understand you -- is voice code for the letter R. It is part of the 'Able, Baker, Charlie' code known and used by all radiophone operators in the services. From the earliest days of wireless communication, the Morse code letter R (dit-dah-dit) has been used to indicate 'O.K. -- understood.' So 'Roger' was the logical voice-phone equivalent." Morris Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins by William and Mary Morris (HarperCollins, New York, 1977, 1988).

"Roger" means "I understand," and "wilco" is short for "will comply." One must be careful to note the distinction.

• Roger Wilco TheFallen 06/08/03
  • Roger Wilco R. Berg 06/08/03
    • Roger Wilco PaladinWarrior 06/12/03