- "Roger that" is a phrase used in radio communication to acknowledge that a message has been received and understood. It can be used to acknowledge understanding or agreement.
A: "Let's meet at the coffee shop at 3 PM."
B: "Roger that."
Here, "roger that" is used informally to indicate that B has understood and agreed to the proposed plan of meeting at the coffee shop.
When to use "roger that"
In both formal and casual contexts, "roger that" serves as a simple and clear acknowledgment of a message, instruction, or agreement. It can convey comprehension, compliance, or confirmation, depending on the context.
When used casually, it often adds a touch of informality or camaraderie to the conversation. It's commonly used among friends, colleagues, or teammates to confirm plans, agreements, or instructions. However, it's essential to be mindful of the appropriateness of using "roger that" in formal or professional settings, as it may come across as too informal or slangy.
The use of "roger that" over time
As you can see from the graph below, the phrase "roger that" saw fluctuations in use throughout time. The phrase began to increase in popularity in the 1980s, and it peaked in the 2000s.
Example sentences
- Friend: Let's grab dinner at 7 tonight.
You: Roger that, see you there! - Manager: We need to wrap up this project by Friday.
Team Member: Roger that, we'll get it done. - Coach: Practice starts at 5 PM sharp.
Athlete: Roger that, Coach, I'll be there. - Roommate: Can you pick up some milk on your way home?
You: Roger that, I'll grab it from the store. - Barista: Your order will be ready in 5 minutes.
Customer: Roger that, thanks!
Examples from the web
"Earth To Space Station, Do You Copy? Roger That, Earth!" - Forbes
Other ways to say "roger that"
You can use the following phrases to express understanding:
- Got it.
- Okay.
- Sounds good.
- Cool.
- Sure thing.
FAQs
Is it roger that or copy that?
"Roger that" is more commonly associated with military and aviation contexts, while "copy that" is often used in radio communication across various fields, including emergency services, law enforcement, and civilian aviation. Both phrases essentially serve the same purpose: to acknowledge that a message has been received and understood. The choice between "roger that" and "copy that" often depends on personal preference, familiarity with the terminology, and the specific communication environment.
Is it rodger that or roger that?
The correct phrase is "roger that." "Rodger that" is a common misspelling of "roger that." It's essential to use the correct spelling to ensure clear communication, especially in professional or formal settings.
Summary
In summary, "roger that" is a versatile phrase used to acknowledge understanding or agreement in both formal and casual communication settings. Whether used among friends or colleagues, it serves as a clear and concise way to confirm plans, instructions, or agreements. However, it's important to be mindful of its appropriateness in formal or professional contexts to avoid sounding overly casual or informal.
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