Key Takeaways
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CB radio communication uses specialized slang and 10-codes developed by truckers since the 1970s
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10-4 means "message received" – the most famous CB code popularized by movies and TV shows
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Channel 19 is the main trucker channel for traffic updates and road conditions
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Channel 9 is reserved for emergency communications
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No license required to operate a CB radio in the United States
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CB lingo varies by region but core terms remain consistent nationwide
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Modern CB usage continues among truckers, RV travelers, and off-road enthusiasts
Whether you're a new trucker hitting the highways, an RV enthusiast exploring America's backroads, or simply curious about the colorful language of CB radio, understanding CB slang and codes opens the door to a fascinating communication culture. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about CB radio terminology, from essential 10-codes to creative trucker slang that makes conversations on the airwaves both efficient and entertaining.
What is CB Radio and Why Does It Have Its Own Language?
Citizens Band (CB) radio emerged as a vital communication tool for truckers during the 1973 oil crisis. The U.S faced fuel shortages, gas station closures, and reduced speed limits nationwide. Adapting to the situation, commercial truck drivers began using CB radios to communicate which gas stations were open, how to avoid speed traps, and where to avoid traffic jams and accidents.
This necessity bred innovation in communication. CB slang is the distinctive anti-language, argot, or cant which developed among users of Citizens Band radio (CB), especially truck drivers in the United States during the 1970s and early 1980s. The specialized language served multiple purposes:
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Brevity: Condensing messages for clearer, faster communication
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Community: Creating a sense of belonging among CB users
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Entertainment: Making long drives more enjoyable with creative expressions
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Privacy: Developing code words that outsiders wouldn't immediately understand
The Complete List of CB 10-Codes
The foundation of CB communication lies in the 10-code system. These CB radio codes were established to allow brevity and ease of messaging – a critical communication advantage for an industry facing the 1973 oil crisis. Here are the most commonly used 10-codes you'll hear on the airwaves:
Essential 10-Codes Every CB User Should Know
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10-1: Receiving poorly
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10-2: Receiving well
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10-3: Stop transmitting
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10-4: OK, message received, affirmative
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10-5: Relay message
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10-6: Busy, stand by
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10-7: Out of service
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10-8: In service
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10-9: Repeat message
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10-10: Transmission completed
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10-13: Advise weather/road conditions
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10-17: Urgent business
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10-19: Nothing for you, return to base
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10-20: My location is... (often shortened to "What's your 20?")
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10-21: Call by telephone
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10-22: Report in person to...
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10-23: Stand by
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10-24: Completed last assignment
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10-27: I am moving to channel...
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10-33: Emergency traffic
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10-34: Trouble at this station
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10-36: Correct time is...
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10-42: Traffic accident
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10-43: Traffic tie-up
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10-50: Break channel
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10-62: Unable to copy, use phone
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10-70: Fire
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10-100: Nature break/bathroom stop
How to Use 10-Codes Properly
When using 10-codes, remember these guidelines:
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Speak clearly: Enunciate each number distinctly
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Pause between codes: Give listeners time to process
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Use context: Not everyone knows all codes, so provide clarity when needed
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Regional variations: Some codes may have different meanings in different areas
Popular CB Slang Terms and Their Meanings
Beyond the numerical codes, CB radio has developed a rich vocabulary of colorful slang terms. "Over the years, truck drivers and other CB radio (citizens band radio) enthusiasts have developed their own 'language' of sorts." Here are the most common terms you'll encounter:
Law Enforcement and Traffic Terms
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Bear: Police officer or highway patrol
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Smokey/Smokey Bear: State trooper
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County Mountie: County police
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Local Yokel: City or town police officer
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Bear Cave: Police station
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Bear Trap: Speed trap
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Bear in the Air: Police helicopter or airplane
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Bear Bait: Speeding vehicle likely to attract police
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Chicken Coop: Weigh station
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Paper Hanger: Officer writing tickets
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Green Stamps: Speeding tickets
Road and Vehicle Terms
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Alligator/Gator: Piece of tire on the road
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Hammer Down: Accelerate/go fast
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Pedal to the Metal: Maximum speed
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Back Door: Behind you
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Front Door: In front of you
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Rocking Chair: Middle position between two trucks
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Convoy: Group of trucks traveling together
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Bobtail: Tractor without a trailer
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Parking Lot: Traffic jam
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Granny Lane: Slow lane
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Hammer Lane: Fast/passing lane
Communication Terms
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Handle: CB nickname
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Break/Breaker: Request to use the channel
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Copy: Do you understand?
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Come Back: Please respond
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Good Buddy: Fellow CB user (now somewhat outdated)
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Roger: Message understood
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Negatory: No
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Affirmative: Yes
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Radio Check: Testing signal quality
Location and Direction Terms
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Mile Marker/Yardstick: Highway mile marker
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Double Nickel: 55 mph speed limit
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Flip-Flop: Return trip
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Home 20: Home location
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Motion Lotion: Fuel
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Go-Go Juice: Diesel fuel
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Feeding the Bears: Paying a traffic fine
CB Radio Channels and Their Purposes
Understanding CB channels is crucial for effective communication. The CB Radio has 40 channels that range from 26.965 to 27.405 MHz, and the channel spacing is 10 KHz apart. While all channels are available for public use, certain channels have developed specific purposes:
Primary CB Channels
Channel 9: Channel 9 (27.065 MhZ) is designated for emergency communications. Reserve this channel for:
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Emergency assistance
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Accident reports
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Travel information in some areas
Channel 19: The unofficial trucker channel, used for:
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Traffic updates
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Road conditions
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General trucker communication
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Speed trap warnings
Channel 6: Often used for:
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Skip/DX communications
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Secondary trucker channel in some regions
Channel 17: Regional variations, but often used for:
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North-south traffic on West Coast
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Local trucker communications
For optimal CB radio performance and access to all channels, check out Alberta Radio Supply's CB Radio Collection for professional-grade equipment.
CB Radio Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules
Proper CB etiquette ensures smooth communication and respect among users. You want to be clear, keep your sentences short & simple, and avoid using caustic or threatening language. Here are the essential rules:
Basic Communication Etiquette
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Listen Before Transmitting: Radio operators are expected to wait before speaking – making sure the air is clear and never interrupting an ongoing conversation unless there is an emergency.
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Keep It Brief: users must never talk with another station for more than 5 minutes continuously and must wait at least one minute before starting another communication.
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Emergency Priority: Always yield to emergency traffic on any channel
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Identify Yourself: Use your handle when initiating contact
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Be Respectful: Avoid profanity and inappropriate content
How to Make Your First CB Contact
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Conduct a Radio Check:
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Listen to ensure the channel is clear
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Key the mic and say: "Breaker, breaker, this is [Your Handle] looking for a radio check"
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Wait for response
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Thank anyone who responds
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Breaking Into a Conversation:
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Wait for a pause
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Say "Break" or "Breaker"
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Wait to be acknowledged
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Keep your message brief
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Channel Selection:
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Start on Channel 19 for general communication
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Move to quieter channels for extended conversations
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Always announce channel changes
Modern CB Radio Usage: Still Relevant in 2025
Despite the prevalence of smartphones and GPS systems, CB radio remains relevant for several reasons:
Why Truckers Still Use CB Radio
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Real-time traffic updates: Instant information from drivers ahead
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Weather warnings: Immediate alerts about dangerous conditions
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Accident notifications: Faster than traffic apps in many cases
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Community connection: Combating isolation on long hauls
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Emergency backup: Works when cell towers fail
Beyond Trucking: Other CB Users
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RV Travelers: Coordinating caravans and sharing campground information
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Off-Road Enthusiasts: Trail communication and emergency assistance
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Rural Communities: Areas with poor cell coverage
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Emergency Preparedness: Disaster communication backup
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Hobbyists: DX (long-distance) communication enthusiasts
For those interested in expanding their CB radio capabilities, explore Alberta Radio Supply's antenna collection to maximize your communication range.
Tips for Learning CB Lingo
Start Small
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Master the basic 10-codes first (10-4, 10-20, 10-9)
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Learn common slang terms for your region
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Practice with patient, experienced operators
Listen and Learn
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Spend time monitoring Channel 19
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Note regional variations in terminology
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Pay attention to context clues
Practice Proper Technique
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Speak clearly and at moderate speed
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Hold the microphone 2-3 inches from your mouth
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Release the PTT (push-to-talk) button promptly after speaking
Join the Community
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Visit truck stops with CB-equipped vehicles
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Participate in local CB clubs
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Attend hamfests and radio gatherings
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Over-modulation: Speaking too loudly or too close to the mic
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Keying Over Others: Transmitting while someone else is talking
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Channel Hogging: Monopolizing popular channels
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Using Outdated Terms: "Good buddy" has fallen out of favor
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Ignoring Emergency Traffic: Always yield to urgent communications
Frequently Asked Questions About CB Radio Slang and Codes
Do I need a license to use CB radio?
No, CB radio operation in the United States does not require a license. CB radios are intended for personal use and are open to the general public.
What's the difference between CB and Ham radio?
CB radio is limited to 40 channels and 4 watts AM (12 watts SSB), while Ham radio offers more frequencies, higher power, and requires licensing. CB is perfect for short-range communication without the complexities of Ham radio.
Why do truckers say "What's your 20?"
"20" comes from the 10-20 code meaning "location." It's become one of the most recognized CB phrases, essentially asking "Where are you?"
Is CB radio still used in 2025?
Yes! While less common than in its heyday, CB radio remains popular among truckers, RV travelers, and off-road enthusiasts for its reliability and real-time communication benefits.
What channel should beginners use?
Start with Channel 19, the main trucker channel. It's usually active and provides good practice for understanding CB communication patterns.
Can I use any nickname as my handle?
Yes, you can choose any appropriate handle. Keep it short, easy to understand, and family-friendly. Avoid handles already in use in your area.
What's the range of a typical CB radio?
CB radio range typically varies from 1-5 miles for mobile units and up to 10-15 miles for base stations with proper antennas, depending on terrain and conditions.
Are there CB radio apps for smartphones?
While CB radio apps exist, they don't communicate with actual CB radios. They use internet data to simulate CB-style communication among app users only.
Conclusion: Join the CB Radio Community
Understanding CB radio slang and codes connects you to a rich communication tradition that spans over 50 years. Whether you're a professional driver, outdoor enthusiast, or emergency preparedness advocate, mastering this unique language opens doors to valuable real-time information and a welcoming community.
The colorful terminology, from "bears" to "alligators," adds personality to practical communication. While technology has evolved, the fundamental need for reliable, immediate, short-range communication keeps CB radio relevant in our modern world.
Ready to join the conversation? Visit Alberta Radio Supply for quality CB radios, antennas, and accessories to get you started on your CB radio journey. From beginner-friendly units to professional-grade equipment, they have everything you need to join this enduring communication community.
Remember, every experienced CB operator started as a beginner. Don't be afraid to key that mic, introduce yourself, and become part of the CB radio family. Who knows? You might just find yourself warning fellow travelers about that "bear in the bushes at the 142 yardstick" before you know it!
10-4, good buddy – see you on the airwaves!