73?

Geoff AB6BT

OK, here's a random question...

Why do so many say 73s (or 73's) when 73 is defined as "Best Regards"?

Mike-VA3MW

73 = "Best Wishes"

73's = "Best Wisheses"

Geoff AB6BT

OK, Best Regardses???

Mike-VA3MW

that too :)

Geoff AB6BT

I'm really disappointed that more people didn't reply to my question.

I am actually curious. Where does this usage have its roots and what is the reasoning behind using 73s as opposed to 73.

I hope more folks chime in.

VE7ATJ_Don

I think people just assume that any plural noun needs an s at the end. For some reason, they think that because 'best regards' has an S at the end, 73 needs an S as well.

When it comes down to it, some ops are either a) ill-informed; b) lazy; c) ignorant of what 73 actually means.

I teach the BQ prep course here and we constantly have to drill into the students that the CW codes mean what they say -- they don't need 'additions' :-)

Geoff AB6BT

Thanks Don.

Yeah, I've been wondering for years and thought I'd try to get some input from people.

Perhaps some will let us know what they are thinking.