What did they just say? — Ham Radio

Someone used a term and you nodded along without knowing what it meant.

The ones you'll actually hear

73
Best regards. The standard sign-off. Say "seventy-three," singular.
QSO
A contact — a conversation with another station.
QSL
Confirmed, understood. Also a physical postcard confirming a contact.
QTH
Location. "My QTH is Houston."
QRM
Interference from other stations.
QRN
Natural noise — static, lightning crashes.
QRP
Low power operating, 5 watts or less.
QRZ
"Who is calling me?" Used to invite the next caller.
QSY
Change frequency. "Let's QSY up 5."
Full quieting
Your signal is strong enough that the repeater hears no hiss.
Ragchew
A long, relaxed conversation.
Elmer
A mentor. An experienced ham who helps a new one.
DX
Distance — a far-away station, usually another country.
Simplex
Radio to radio directly, no repeater in between.
Handheld / HT
A handheld transceiver. Your walkie-talkie-looking radio.
Rig
Your radio.
Shack
Wherever your station lives, even if it's a corner of a desk.
Clear
I'm finished and leaving the frequency.
Monitoring
I'm finished talking but still listening.

Why it works this way

Most of the Q-codes started as telegraph shorthand, where every character cost time and money. They survived into voice operating out of pure habit. You don't have to use any of them — plain English is always acceptable and often clearer — but you do need to recognize them when they come at you.

Open this in Pocket Elmer, with your callsign filled in

More things to say