Most commonly used CW abbreviations
Essential CW Abbreviations and Procedural Signals in Telegraphy
When operating CW (Morse Code) or digital modes, the vast majority of on-air phrasing consists of standardized abbreviations and international procedural codes. Using them saves time, increases clarity, and overcomes language barriers between operators worldwide.
1. Master Table of Common CW Abbreviations
| Code / Abbreviation | Meaning and Operational Application |
|---|---|
| AGN | Again |
| ANT | Antenna |
| AR | End of transmission (Concatenated prosign) |
| AS | Wait / Stand by (Concatenated prosign) |
| B4 | Before |
| BK | Break in / Interrupt |
| CFM | Confirm / I confirm |
| CL | Closing station (Concatenated prosign) |
| CQ | General call to any station |
| CUL / CU | See you later / See you |
| DE | From / This is (e.g., W1ZZZ DE LZ2ZZZ) |
| ES | And / Also |
| FB | Fine Business (Excellent / Good job) |
| GA / GE / GM / GN | Good afternoon / Good evening / Good morning / Good night |
| GL / GD / GUD | Good luck / Good day / Good |
| HI | Telegraphy laughter |
| HW / HR | How / Here |
| K / KN | Over (Go ahead) / Over to designated station only |
| LP / SP | Long Path / Short Path propagation |
| OM / YL / XYL | Old Man (Male ham) / Young Lady (Female ham) / Ex-Young Lady (Wife) |
| OP / OPR | Operator |
| PSE / TNX / TKS / TU | Please / Thanks / Thanks / Thank you |
| PWR / RIG / TRX / RX / TX | Power / Rig / Transceiver / Receiver / Transmitter |
| RPT / RPRT / CFM / CPI | Repeat / Signal report / Confirm / Copy |
| SK | End of contact (Prosign) / Deceased ham (Silent Key) |
| SRI / UFB / VY / WX | Sorry / Ultra fine business / Very / Weather |
2. Proper Use of Numeric Signals (73, 88) and Slang Pitfalls
| Numeric Code | Status and Usage Etiquette |
|---|---|
| 73 | Means „Best regards“. Used in both phone and CW. Crucial rule: The code is already plural („regards“). Expressions like „73s“ or „best 73s“ are grammatically redundant. Simply say or send „73“. |
| 88 | Means „Love and kisses“. The same plural rule applies — avoid „88s“. |
| 51 and 55 | CB Radio Slang (Avoid): These are unofficial terms originating from Citizen’s Band (27 MHz). Using them in the amateur service is considered poor operating practice. |
| 99 | Rude / Abusive Code: Translates to „Go away“. Good manners and operating ethics strictly exclude its use. |
Operator’s Tip: Adhering to standardized international codes reflects operating maturity and preserves professional camaraderie on air.
