Walkie Talkie Lingo: Your Complete Guide to Radio Communication

Walkie Talkie Lingo: Your Essential Guide to Clear Radio Communication

Hollywood isn’t the most accurate source of information in most cases—especially when it comes to walkie talkie lingo. You might have heard phrases like “Stop” and “Roger,” but is that really how professionals speak on radio transmissions?

We’re here to clear the air and help you use walkie talkie lingo properly. Keep reading to master the terms and codes that real users rely on, whether you’re in a professional setting or just using walkie-talkies for personal fun like hunting, paintball, or camping.

Spelling Out Letters with the NATO Phonetic Alphabet

You might have used a version of walkie talkie lingo when speaking to a customer service rep. When letters sound too similar, confusion happens fast. That’s why the NATO phonetic alphabet was created—to spell things out clearly over the airwaves.

Here’s the complete list:

• A—Alfa
• B—Bravo
• C—Charlie
• D—Delta
• E—Echo
• F—Foxtrot
• G—Golf
• H—Hotel
• I—India
• J—Juliet
• K—Kilo
• L—Lima
• M—Mike
• N—November
• O—Oscar
• P—Papa
• Q—Quebec
• R—Romeo
• S—Sierra
• T—Tango
• U—Uniform
• V—Victor
• W—Whiskey
• X—X-ray
• Y—Yankee
• Z—Zulu

Is it absolutely necessary to follow this alphabet in casual settings? Not really. You could say “A for Apple” or “B for Bat” if needed. But using the global standard helps avoid confusion, especially during fast-paced radio communication.

Common Walkie Talkie Lingo You Should Know

If you want to sound savvy using walkie talkies, these are the core phrases you should know:

• “Affirmative” – Yes
• “Copy” – I understand
• “Loud and Clear” – I hear you clearly
• “Disregard” – Ignore the last message
• “Go Ahead” – Ready for you to speak
• “On It” – I’m working on it now
• “Over” – I’ve finished speaking; your turn
• “Out” – End of transmission
• “Roger” – Message received and understood
• “Stand By” – Please wait, I’ll be right back
• “Negative” – No
• “Eyes on (Object)” – I can see what you’re referring to

Learning these simple walkie talkie terms will immediately boost your communication skills whether you’re playing tactical games or working in real-world field operations.

Understanding Ten-Codes in Walkie Talkie Communication

Ten-codes are a famous part of professional walkie talkie lingo, originally developed by Illinois State Police in the 1930s. They help users communicate important information quickly and clearly.

Here are some commonly used ten-codes:

• 10-1 – Transmission unreadable
• 10-2 – Transmission good
• 10-4 – Message acknowledged
• 10-5 – Relay message to someone else
• 10-6 – Busy, stand by
• 10-9 – Repeat your last message
• 10-20 – What’s your location?
• 10-46 – Assisting motorist
• 10-50 – Traffic accident
• 10-60 – Squad car in the area
• 10-95 – Suspect in custody

Ever heard someone say “What’s your 20?” on TV? That’s short for “What’s your location?” (10-20).

Firefighter and Emergency Walkie Talkie Codes

Emergency personnel, including firefighters and paramedics, use their own special codes to communicate urgency:

Firefighter Radio Codes:

• Code 1 – Routine response, no lights or sirens
• Code 2 – Immediate response needed, no lights
• Code 3 – Emergency! Lights and sirens on
• Code 4 – Scene secure, no more help needed

Paramedic Priority Levels:

• Priority 1 – Deceased (Dead on Arrival)
• Priority 2 – Immediate hospital care needed
• Priority 3 – Non-emergency hospital transport
• Priority 4 – Situation under control
• Priority 5 – Mass casualty event

Different departments might have slight variations, so always double-check local protocols when working in professional settings.

Why Is Walkie Talkie Lingo So Important?

In emergency scenarios, time is critical. Walkie talkie lingo keeps communication brief, efficient, and effective when it matters most. Whether you’re dealing with an urgent fire call or coordinating a large event, using correct radio terms ensures everyone stays on the same page.

When switching between departments or moving to a new location, always learn the specific walkie talkie codes they use—you’ll be glad you did.

Master Walkie Talkie Lingo and Stay Connected

If you’re trying to impress someone, quoting walkie talkie lingo might not be your best move. But if you’re playing paintball, camping, hunting, or managing a team, using proper radio lingo will make you look and sound like a pro.

Looking to purchase professional radios or walkie-talkies for your business or crew? King Radios has been supplying America’s Heroes for 39 years. Contact us today to find the perfect communication tools!