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The term “10-4” holds a significant place in radio communication, particularly among law enforcement officers and truck drivers. Originating from the ten-codes developed by Illinois State Police Communications Director Charles Hopper in the late 1930s, 10-4 is used as an affirmative signal, meaning “OK” or “understood.” These codes were created to streamline conversations and ensure efficient communication over radio channels.
10-4 Meaning and Origin
- 10-4 is an affirmative signal, meaning “OK” or “understood,” commonly used in radio communication.
Meaning and Usage of 10-4
10-4 is a widely recognized code in two-way radio communication to convey affirmative or a confirmation, meaning “OK” or “understood.” It is used by law enforcement agencies, truck drivers, CB radio users, and other communication channels where brevity and clarity are essential. In essence, when someone says “10-4,” they are indicating that they have received the message or information and understand it.
Origin and Context of 10-4
The origin of 10-4 can be traced back to the late 1930s when Charles Hopper, the communications director for the Illinois State Police, developed a series of ten-codes to streamline radio communication. These codes, including 10-4, were created to minimize confusion and misinterpretation of messages being transmitted over radio channels. The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) later adopted these codes, leading to widespread use.
The use of 10-4 and similar ten-codes expanded beyond law enforcement, as truck drivers, Citizens’ Band (CB) radio users, and others adopted them for their own communication purposes. While the meaning of ten-codes can vary slightly between jurisdictions and locations, 10-4 has remained consistent as a way to acknowledge a message has been received and understood.
Related Terms to 10-4
- Roger: Another term used to convey affirmative or agreement, often interchangeable with “10-4.” It originated from aviation and military radio communication.
- Message received: A phrase used to acknowledge understanding of the information shared. “10-4” serves as a shorthand way to express this.
- Affirmative: A commonly used term across different communication platforms, meaning “yes” or “confirmed.” “10-4” is often used in place of “affirmative” for brevity in radio communication.
- Out: In radio lingo, “out” is used to signify the end of a transmission and that the sender is not expecting a reply.
- Call: Refers to a specific radio message exchanged between parties. “10-4” acknowledges the receipt and understanding of a call, removing the need for verbose confirmation.
10-4 in Popular Culture and Slang
Over time, the use of 10-4 has expanded beyond radio communications to become associated with various aspects of popular culture. One significant source of exposure was the 1950s television series Highway Patrol, where the protagonist, played by Broderick Crawford, would often use “10-4” while communicating with his patrol car’s microphone.
Truckers have also adopted 10-4 as part of their CB radio lingo, using it to confirm that they have received and understood a message. In this context, 10-4 has come to signify affirmation or agreement, similar to the casual use of “you got it” or “roger that.” Additionally, the phrase has worked its way into movies and songs connected to trucking culture, such as the 1975 film and song titled “Convoy.”
The widespread use of 10-4 in various mediums has contributed to its recognition and understanding by the broader public. Although still primarily associated with truckers and CB radio, the phrase has become part of colloquial language and is often employed in situations where a quick affirmation is needed. This linguistic evolution showcases the power of popular culture to shape our language and the way we communicate.
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