General
copy
What does copy mean?
On the CB, 'copy' means the message came through and you got it. Acknowledgment, plain and simple. Borrowed straight from military and amateur radio, where 'copy' has always meant successfully receiving a transmission. Truckers shortened the whole exchange into one word — say 'copy' and the other driver knows you're tracking.
"10-4, copy that, I'll take the next exit and meet you at the truck stop."
Origin
Military and amateur (ham) radio procedure, where 'copy' referred to successfully receiving a Morse or voice transmission. Adopted wholesale by CB culture in the 1970s.
Frequently asked questions
What does Copy mean over radio?
Copy means I heard you and understood the message.
How do you use Copy in a sentence?
"Copy that, we're moving to the rendezvous point now."
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