Roger Wilco

[xwacky]

I was researching on the net on the origin and difference between "Roger" and "Wilco."  I only knew these terms are generally used in radio transmissions, but not much beyond that.  What I found was quite interesting.

Here's an excerpt from the information I found at phrase.org.uk:

ROGER -- "in the meaning of 'Yes, O.K., I understand you -- is voice code for the letter R. It is part of the 'Able, Baker, Charlie' code known and used by all radiophone operators in the services. From the earliest days of wireless communication, the Morse code letter R (dit-dah-dit) has been used to indicate 'O.K. -- understood.' So 'Roger' was the logical voice-phone equivalent." "Morris Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins" by William and Mary Morris (HarperCollins, New York, 1977, 1988).

While "Roger" means "I understand," "Wilco" is short for "will comply."

And here's a funny scenario that cracks me up:

: : Featuring Captain Clarence Oveur (the pilot) Roger Murdock (the co-pilot) and Victor Basta (the navigator):-

: : Roger Murdock: We have clearance, Clarence.
: : Captain Oveur: Roger, Roger. What's our vector Victor?
: : Tower Voice: Tower's radio clearance, over!
: : Captain Oveur: That's Clarence Oveur! Over.
: : Tower Voice: Roger.
: : Roger Murdock: Huh?
: : Tower Voice: Roger, over.
: : Roger Murdock: Huh?
: : Captain Oveur: Huh?