Midland Radio Corporation, proud maker of telecommunication products, originally started manufacturing Citizen Band (CB) radios in the early 1960's. Suddenly people on the road had the capability to converse with one another and with that came CB jargon. As CB radios grew in popularity, a culture was born. Used mostly by truckers, CB lingo was created to keep conversations short on open air bands. As stated in one of Midland’s original CB manuals, “If you’ve listened to CBers talk before, you know we have our own special style and language. Your Convoy Buddies use codes and special jargon (often a little bit on the humorous side) so that they can communicate better and faster while using fewer words.”

So let’s put your CB lingo translation skills to the test:  “I just passed a pregnant roller skate feeding the bears.” This phrase may bring a hilarious picture to mind, but it does a have meaning. When translated using Midland’s lingo guide from the 1970s, it means “I just passed a VW getting a ticket.”

Learn CB Radio Lingo with Midland

Here are a few more entertaining phrases to learn.

CB Lingo Phrase #1

I need to stop at a chicken coop for a ten-one-hundred.

Translation:  I need to stop at a weigh station for a restroom break.

Phrase #2

We’ve got a ratchet jaws on this channel.

Translation:  There is someone on this channel who never stops talking.

Phrase #3

There is a plain brown wrapper at yardstick 67.

Translation:  There is an unmarked police car at mile marker 67.

Though many of us may find the CB jargon strange, CB radios still have a relevant place in this modern age of quick communication. Midland still proudly manufactures CBs today that meet the needs of truckers and CB enthusiasts.

When cell phone signals fail, a CB radio can provide a communication pathway to other listening individuals. CB networks can also be used by emergency preparedness groups during times of natural disaster when cell towers are down or other lines of communication have been severed.

As the 1970's Midland Convoy Buddy, C.W. McCall, would say, “Here’s hopin’ you keep your tires out of the ditches and some green stamps in your britches. Three’s on you.” Or in other words, drive safe, make money, and best regards.