November 10, 2024

Where does the expression “Roger that” come from ? It is also used in maritime communications to acknowledge communications.

Roger Whittaker #RogerWhittaker

Notes and Queries SEMANTIC ENIGMAS

Where does the expression “Roger that” come from ? It is also used in maritime communications to acknowledge communications.

Alan Doory, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

  • “Roger” was “phonetic” for “R” (received and understood”. In radio communication, a “spelling alphabet” (often mistakenly called a “phonetic alphabet) is used to avoid confusion between similarly sounding letters. In the previously used US spelling alphabet, R was Roger, which in radio voice procedure means “Received”. While in the current spelling alphabet (NATO), R is now Romeo, Roger has remained the response meaning “received” in radio voice procedure. In the US military, it is common to reply to another’s assertion with “Roger that”, meaning: “I agree”.

    Major David Null, Auxiliary USAF, Claremont, CA USA

  • Roger or Roger That does NOT mean “agreement”. It just means the entire message was received. Wilco, as in WILL COMPLY was the old term for will comply. Wikipedia “roger that” or try websites that deals with radio or military terminology.

    Barbara, Tampa USA

  • in response to Rafael Gonzales: “I was with Alpha Company 1st platooon (don’t quite remember)” really dude? you don’t remember your company and platoon ? you couldn’t say affirmative but you can say Roger? the “G” is the letter hispano-american People have more trouble with… i call bravo sierra on your roger and your service, señor

    Douglas, Boston USA

  • ROGER THAT, Douglas, Boston USA. “Roger that” and “Roger wilco” were first used in WW II.

    Marine4ever, USA

  • When I was in the army cadets as a youth, many years ago…I was told that Roger actually came from Stonehaven

    Mr Tait, Aberdeen, UK

  • Hmmm, very interesting stories here. Now I understand why all pilot and captain names were “ROGER” in old USA movies in the Turkish translation. I think many years ago interpretation was not successful in Turkey.

    Umit Golgeci, Finike, Antalya, Turkey

  • Back in the day, “Roger That” either meant “Yep”,.. or more typically “Hell Yeah”!

    Blinko, Indianapolis USA

  • BAHAHAH I find it hilarious that there are two different stories of people claiming to have been a part of the origin of the phrase JUST on this blog. That’s cute.

    Kalin, Louisville US

  • Roger Rabbit

    Gomer Pyle, Mayberry, US

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