Why do truckers say what's your 20?
Asked by: Selina Braun | Last update: June 28, 2026Score: 5/5 (24 votes)
"What's your 20?" is shorthand for "What is your location?" It comes from the "10-code" system—a series of numbers used to transmit information quickly over two-way CB radios. In this system, "10-20" was the designated code for "location".
Where does the term "What's Your 20" come from?
"What's your 20?" is a slang phrase for asking where someone is. It comes from CB (Citizens Band) radio, where people used a unique code called "10-20" to mean "location." "What's your 20?" is a common way to ask someone where they are.
What does 20 mean in trucker talk?
The term has taken inspiration from CB radio slang, and it's just another way of saying “what's your location”? So, to all the truckers out there, what's your 20? #
What does 10:10 mean in trucker talk?
In trucker talk, 10-10 means that a driver has finished their transmission, is done talking, and is standing by to listen to the CB radio. It indicates that the user is stepping away from the microphone but remains on that channel and available to hear further conversations.
How do truckers say "OK"?
Common trucker “10 codes”
10-4 – Acknowledgement or "OK". 10-7 – Out of service (going on break). 10-8 – In service. 10-9 – Repeat message.
34 seconds CB talk from Smokey and the Bandit
What does "rubber ducky" mean in CB talk?
The term “rubber ducky” in trucking CB slang dates back to the early–mid 1970s, during the peak of CB radio culture in the U.S. Where it came from 🚛📻 “Rubber ducky” became a nickname for the lead truck in a convoy—the driver up front who: Warned others about smokeys (police) 🚓 Called out road hazards, accidents, or ...
Is what's your 20 a military term?
Have you ever heard someone ask, “What's your 20?” The term refers to your location. It comes from “10–20” and is part of the Ten Code used by CB radioers, who borrowed and adapted it from the police and emergency services.
What does 73 mean in CB talk?
The formal definition of 73 is “Best Regards” – it's a nice way to say goodbye that is unique to amateur radio.
Has the meaning of "what's your 20" changed?
It simply means: “What's your location?” The phrase comes from CB radio police codes, where 10-20 meant location. Now it's used casually in conversations, movies, and online chats. Small phrases like these make your English sound more natural and fluent 💬
What do truckers call cops on CB?
Truckers primarily call police officers "bears" or "Smokeys" (often "Smokey Bear") on CB radios. These terms originate from the hat worn by state troopers, which resembles the hat worn by Smokey Bear. Other specific terms include "county mounty" (sheriff), "local-yokel" (city police), and "bear in the air" (police aircraft).
What is a 72 cop code?
10-70 Prowler. 10-71 Shooting. 10-72 Knifing.
What does "good buddy" mean in CB talk?
In CB radio talk, "good buddy" is a phrase with shifted meanings. Originally in the 1970s, it was a friendly term for another driver, friend, or fellow operator. However, from the late 1970s onward, the term shifted in trucker culture to mean a homosexual male and is often considered disrespectful or, in some contexts, insulting when used by strangers.
What is the 7 3 rule in trucking?
According to the changes made in the hours-of-service rules, a driver must stay in the sleeper berth for seven consecutive hours, and then spend another three consecutive hours off duty (sleeping, eating, etc.) to fulfill the requirements of the sleeper berth.
How would a cowboy say "yes"?
Cowboys often express "yes" using short, direct, or idiomatic phrases like "yep," "you bet," "darn tootin'," "sure thing," or "you bet your boots". These phrases reflect a concise, respectful, and informal communication style often associated with Western or Southern culture.
What are trucker toothpicks called?
They are called: Bull Hauler toothpicks : r/Truckers They're call Dr bells horse drops, and they contain a mixture of toxic substances. truck drivers used to dip toothpicks in it so they can stay awake.
What does pig pen mean in trucking?
Pig Pen: A dirty truck. Plain Wrapper: Unmarked police car. Polar Bear: A white unmarked police car. Portable Barnyard: A livestock hauler.
Do all Jeeps get ducked or just wranglers?
All Jeep models—not just Wranglers—can get ducked, though it is most common within the Wrangler and Gladiator community. While the trend began with Wranglers in 2020, it has evolved into a general act of kindness for any vehicle bearing the Jeep logo, including Cherokees, Renegades, Compasses, and Liberties.
What does 🦆 mean in slang?
The 🦆 emoji mainly represents ducks (and other birds, in a pinch). It's sometimes used to discuss duck hunting season and duck meat, or it can refer to the selfie trend of making pouty "duck lips" in photos. It's also a slang alternative to the f-word.