CB Radio History – The Lingo

CB Radio History – The Lingo

You probably know what the handle ‘Smokey’ or ‘Smokey Bear’ means in CB lingo. It has become so synonymous with troopers or police in each state that it’s probably used off the air as frequently as it’s used when communicating between two CBs.

That’s just one of the many dozens of nicknames and shortcuts given to standard words and phrases. Some of these came from the use of two-way communication devices during World War II. Others originated from the increased use of radios by truckers. Still more, especially ones to hide information from big ears, stemmed from their increased use in the 1970s.

Many of these phrases stuck and remain part of today’s CB lingo. Here are a few that you may or may not recognize.

For Communication

• All the Good Numbers – Good luck and best wishes
• Big 10-4 – Total agreement
• Over – Your turn to transmit
• Out – End transmission

Equipment

• Antenna Farm – A base station with many antennas
• Ballet Dancer – An antenna that sways and bends in the wind
• Chopped Top – A short antenna
• Ears On – CB radio is ON

While Driving

• Alligator – Shredded tread from a tire on an 18-wheeler
• Antler Alley – An area known for deer crossings
• Big Slab – State or interstate highway
• Blue Slip – Speeding ticket

Law Enforcement

• Baby Bear – Rookie police officer
• Boy Scouts – State Police
• Bear Trap – Police car with radar
• Bear in the Air – Police helicopter

Food and Rest

• Greasy Spoon – restaurant with bad food
• Chew and Choke – Restaurant or truck stop
• Log Some Zs – Get some sleep
• Nap Trap – hotel or other location to sleep

Even if you’re not a truck driver, incorporate some of these into your CB and face-to-face conversations. The fun is to see if they’re understand what you’re saying.