Radio slang is a collection of code expressions used in professional and amateur radio communications to save time.
Unlike Q-code and Z-code, radio slang expressions were created spontaneously. They change over time and are not governed by any system. Therefore, several codes can have the same meaning (TKS, TNX, TU - "thank you"), and one code can have multiple meanings (NR - "number" or "near"). Some of them are abbreviations of common phrases and terms, mostly English (GB - good bye, OM - old man, RCVR - receiver, SK - stop keying); others are phonetic representations of words (U - you; B4 - before; CQ - seek you, ENUF - enough); and still others are completely arbitrary combinations of symbols (73 - best wishes).
In the 1920s, attempts were made to introduce equivalents for radio slang expressions based on Esperanto words.
The most common and established portion of radio slang expressions is enshrined in literature on radio communication rules. In addition, there are many informal expressions and codes used only within certain groups of operators. For example, code 55 (I wish you much success) is used by German radio operators.
Radiosalng emerged at a time when Morse code was the only means of transmitting information over the radio. With the advancement of technology, some radio slang words (for example, CQ, SK, 73) have become common in radiotelephone communications.
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