What is the meaning of the phrase ‘over and out’?
This conversation is finished. (Or I have finished talking and am not waiting for your response.)
What is the origin of the phrase ‘over and out’?
The phrase ‘over and out’ dates back to the 1800s in accordance with the development and use of radio transmission.
It may seem nonsensical to put these two procedural words together in one phrase like this, but when considered in the context of radio communication it makes a lot more sense. Specific phrases were used in radio communication so that anyone listening would be better able to determine whether or not it was their turn to speak.
People would speak the word ‘out’ to indicate that they have finished speaking and are waiting for a response. Similarly, people would use the word ‘out’ to indicate that they have finished speaking, and that they do not expect a reply.
So, when someone says ‘over and out’ over radio transmission, they are letting you know that they have finished speaking, they don’t expect a response, and that the conversation and communication is ceasing.
Combining ‘over’ and ‘out’ in this way is technically incorrect, but that didn’t stop the phrase from trending in popular culture, especially when indicating a definitive end to a discussion or debate.
As you may imagine, the use of this phrase has expanded to use beyond radio transmission, and is still used in several mediums today, including on the phone, on video calls, and in messaging apps and on internet chat rooms. In terms of the gist of the phrase, it is sometimes likened to a mic drop.
What are some notable uses of the phrase ‘over and out’?
The phrase ‘over and out’ was frequently used during World War II as a standard in military communication. It is also used in space explorations.
In literature, the phrase comes up in “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller published in 1961 and in “The Hunt for Red October” by Tom Clancy published in 1984.
The psychedelic space-rock band Pink Floyd used the phrase ‘over and out’ in their song “Goodbye Blue Sky” released in 1979.
The phrase also appears in films, including “Apollo 13” released in 1995 and “Transformers” released in 2007.
