The world of Citizen’s Band (CB) radio is a unique and fascinating realm, filled with its own language, customs, and culture. One of the most distinctive aspects of CB radio is its rich array of sayings, phrases, and slang terms that have evolved over the years. These CB sayings have become an integral part of the CB community, allowing users to communicate effectively, express themselves creatively, and add a touch of humor and personality to their conversations.
Origins of CB Sayings
The origins of CB sayings can be traced back to the early days of CB radio, when truckers, emergency responders, and other users began using the technology to communicate with each other. As the popularity of CB radio grew, so did the need for a common language that could facilitate quick and efficient communication. Over time, users began to develop their own slang terms, phrases, and sayings that were unique to the CB community.
These early CB sayings were often born out of necessity, as users needed to convey complex information quickly and accurately. For example, the phrase “10-4” (meaning “affirmative” or “OK”) originated from the old police radio code, where “10” referred to a message and “4” meant “affirmative.” Similarly, the phrase “what’s your 20?” (meaning “what’s your location?”) came from the military’s use of the term “20” to ask for someone’s location.
The Evolution of CB Sayings
As CB radio technology improved and more people began using it, the language and culture of the CB community continued to evolve. New sayings, phrases, and slang terms were introduced, while old ones fell out of favor. The rise of the CB radio in popular culture, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, also contributed to the growth and diversification of CB sayings.
The 1970s saw the release of films like “Smokey and the Bandit” and “Convoy,” which featured CB radio prominently and helped to popularize the technology among the general public. This led to an influx of new users, who brought with them their own language and cultural references. The result was a vibrant and dynamic CB culture, characterized by a rich tapestry of sayings, phrases, and slang terms.
Common CB Sayings and Phrases
So, what are some of the most popular CB sayings and phrases? Here are a few examples:
Basic Communication
- 10-4: Affirmative, OK, or message received
- What’s your 20?: What’s your location?
- Copy: I understand or I copy that
- Negative: No or negative response
Location and Directions
- Bear: A police officer or law enforcement
- Smoky: A highway patrol officer
- Eastbound: Traveling east on a highway
- Westbound: Traveling west on a highway
Vehicle and Traffic
- Rubber ducky: A car or vehicle
- Rig: A truck or 18-wheeler
- Breaker: A truck driver or someone looking for assistance
- Convoy: A group of vehicles traveling together
Emergency and Safety
- Mayday: A distress signal or emergency call
- Breaker breaker: A call for assistance or emergency
- 10-33: An emergency or priority call
- Stand by: Wait or hold on, emergency traffic ahead
CB Sayings and Highway Culture
CB sayings have had a profound impact on highway culture, particularly among truckers and motorists. These sayings have become an integral part of the CB community, allowing users to communicate effectively and express themselves creatively.
The use of CB sayings has also helped to foster a sense of community and camaraderie among truckers and motorists. By using these sayings, users can instantly identify themselves as part of the CB community, and connect with others who share their interests and values.
In addition, CB sayings have become a key part of American popular culture, influencing music, film, and literature. The use of CB sayings in songs like “Convoy” and “East Bound and Down” helped to popularize the technology and its language, while films like “Smokey and the Bandit” and “The Blues Brothers” featured CB radio prominently.
Influence on Music and Film
The influence of CB sayings on music and film is undeniable. The 1970s saw a surge in songs that featured CB radio and its language, including “Convoy,” “East Bound and Down,” and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” These songs not only popularized the technology but also helped to spread CB sayings and phrases to a wider audience.
Films like “Smokey and the Bandit” and “The Blues Brothers” also featured CB radio prominently, using the technology to add humor, excitement, and authenticity to their stories. The use of CB sayings in these films helped to further popularize the language and culture of the CB community.
Conclusion
CB sayings are an integral part of the CB community, allowing users to communicate effectively, express themselves creatively, and connect with others who share their interests and values. From basic communication to location and directions, vehicle and traffic, and emergency and safety, these sayings have become an essential part of the CB language and culture.
Whether you’re a seasoned trucker or a casual motorist, understanding CB sayings can enhance your experience on the road. By using these sayings, you can connect with others, add a touch of humor and personality to your conversations, and become a part of the vibrant and dynamic CB community.
So, the next time you’re on the road, tune into the CB radio and see what’s happening on channel 19. You might just hear some of these CB sayings in action, and who knows, you might even pick up a few new phrases to add to your own repertoire. Happy trails, and 10-4!
What does “10-4” mean?
“10-4” is one of the most widely recognized CB lingo phrases, and it’s an essential part of CB culture. It’s an acknowledgement of sorts, used to confirm that you’ve received and understood the previous transmission. Whether it’s a directive, a question, or a piece of information, “10-4” lets the other person know that you’re on the same page.
In everyday conversations, “10-4” can be used in place of “got it,” “understood,” or “okay.” For instance, if someone asks you to meet at the truck stop at 3 PM, you can respond with “10-4” to let them know you’re aware of the plan. It’s a concise way to communicate, and it’s deeply ingrained in the CB community. So the next time you’re chatting with a fellow driver, throw in a “10-4” to sound like a seasoned pro!
What’s the meaning of “Bear in the air”?
When you hear “bear in the air” over the CB radio, it’s not a warning about an actual bear flying overhead! Instead, it’s a code phrase used to alert fellow drivers to the presence of law enforcement in the area. This could be a police car parked on the side of the road, a speed trap, or even a helicopter hovering above.
The idea behind “bear in the air” is to give drivers a heads-up so they can adjust their speed or behavior accordingly. It’s a way for the CB community to look out for each other and avoid getting caught in a speed trap. So if you hear “bear in the air,” take it as a friendly warning to slow down and be more cautious on the road.
What does “Breaker” mean in CB lingo?
In the world of CB radio, “breaker” is a crucial term that serves as a kind of “hello” or “attention getter.” When you start a transmission with “breaker,” you’re alerting others on the channel that you want to initiate a conversation or ask a question. It’s a way to grab someone’s attention and let them know you’re trying to communicate.
Think of “breaker” as a kind of “hello” or “hey, can I talk to you?” It’s a polite way to interrupt the conversation and get someone’s attention. When you respond to a “breaker,” you can simply say “go ahead” to let the other person know it’s okay to proceed with their message.
What’s the deal with “Handle” in CB speak?
In CB lingo, your “handle” is essentially your nickname or alias. It’s a way to identify yourself on the radio without revealing your real name. Handles can be clever, funny, or even downright bizarre, but they’re an integral part of CB culture.
Your handle can be anything from a play on your real name to a reference to your vehicle or your personality. For instance, you might choose “Road Warrior” or “Diesel Daisy” as your handle. It’s a way to express yourself and connect with other drivers on the CB radio. So, what’s your handle going to be?
What does “Over” mean in CB talk?
When you hear “over” at the end of a transmission, it’s not the end of the conversation – it’s actually an invitation to respond! “Over” is a way to signal that you’re finished speaking and it’s the other person’s turn to respond. It’s similar to saying “go ahead” or “your turn.”
Think of “over” as a kind of “baton pass” in a conversation. When someone says “over,” they’re handing the mic over to you, so to speak. It’s a polite way to end your transmission and let the other person know it’s their turn to speak. So, when you hear “over,” it’s time to respond with your own thoughts or questions!
What’s the meaning of “Smoky” in CB lingo?
In the world of CB radio, “smoky” is a slang term for law enforcement – specifically, highway patrol or state troopers. It’s often used in conjunction with other phrases, like “bear in the air,” to provide a warning to fellow drivers about potential speed traps or traffic stops.
The origins of “smoky” are unclear, but it’s believed to have originated from the early days of highway patrol, when officers would often smoke cigarettes while on patrol. Whatever its origins, “smoky” is a widely recognized term in the CB community, and it’s an important part of staying safe on the roads.
What’s “What’s your 20?” asking?
When someone asks “what’s your 20?” on the CB radio, they’re not inquiring about your age or your favorite TV show! Instead, they’re asking about your location. In CB lingo, “20” is short for “location,” and it’s a way to ask someone where they are or where they’re headed.
The phrase “what’s your 20?” is often used when drivers are trying to meet up or coordinate their routes. For instance, if you’re planning to stop at a truck stop and you want to know if someone else is nearby, you might ask “what’s your 20?” to get an idea of their location. It’s a convenient way to exchange location information without getting into too much detail.