Long before GPS and instant messaging, CB radios ruled the road. They weren’t just tools—they were lifelines, entertainment, and the fastest way to know what was happening a few miles ahead. Today, CB chatter still connects drivers, brings humor to long hauls, and keeps an old-school tradition alive.
Recently, Truck Drivers USA asked drivers to share their favorite CB slang and codes. Here’s a look at some of the best responses from drivers who know the true spirit of the open road.
Classic CB Codes That Never Get Old
Many drivers brought back the phrases that have been staples for generations.
Charlie Miehle Sr. painted the picture clearly:
“Them bears are as thick as bugs on a bumper; they even have a bear in the air.”
Danny Morrison and Thomas Carman kept it sharp and straightforward:
“Have a bear in the air.”
Bruce Dickman added:
“Plain wrapper ahead doing radar,”
While Ethan Elder shared a similar warning:
“Got a bear in a plain brown wrapper.”
Thomas Stoddard reminded everyone that the sky isn’t always clear:
“We got a bear in the air with a set of portables.”
Paula Sheaffer had her own version:
“Bear in the bushes with a BB gun.”
CB radios were — and still are — the fastest way to warn about law enforcement ahead of these drivers.
Hammer Down and Keep It Moving
When the road’s wide open, it’s all about speed, freedom, and that hammer-down attitude.
Steve Naylor gave the green light:
“Hammer down! Ain’t no bears in town!”
Walter C. Yasuk encouraged drivers to keep rolling:
“Let’s drop the peddle and gooooo.”
Carlos Bantigue tied it to that feeling of heading home:
“Hammer down, I’m homeward bound.”
And Tim Elliott added a little extra CB spirit:
“The big word is out to hammer down! Road harp said that, and I’m gone! Rodger!”
The energy in these responses shows how CB radios kept drivers connected not just for information — but for motivation.
Fuel Stops, Breaks, and Roadside Lingo
Truck stops have always had their own slang, and drivers shared some favorites that still bring a smile.
Anthony A. Lasanta called it like it was:
“Stopping at the choke and puke for that go-go juice… 10-10 on the side.”
Dave McCormick added a quick line that says it all:
“Full house at the pickle park.”
David Holland remembered the old days of polite CB etiquette:
“Break 19 Break 19 was how we politely got inside conversations of drivers just blowing wind.”
Dean Thompson gave a nod to the seasoned pros:
“Fellow driver, you were shifting green when I first started driving.”
You can feel the brotherhood and history tied to every mile, even in simple phrases.
Moments That Made Everyone Laugh
Some drivers shared their funniest CB moments, reminding us that the road is never too long when laughter is along for the ride.
Clara Lane shared a favorite memory:
“My husband and I were sitting in traffic, and an Irish-sounding man came on the CB and said (imagine the accent), ‘Why are we sitting in the middle of the road?’ I said (with the accent), ‘We’re looking for the gold at the end of the rainbow.’ Lol, I got so many truckers coming back laughing. My handle is Pepples.”
Jack Hamilton brought some energy to the radio:
“Gonna kick the sunroof open, stand up, drive this thing like a John Deere tractor, waving at everybody like Santa Claus in the Christmas parade.”
Robin Johnson kept it old-school with his sign-off:
“10-4, good buddy, Spider-Man out.”
Pasquale DeMuria gave a classic callout:
“Breaker Breaker 1-9, Mickey Mouse here, looking for Donald Duck. You got your ears on Good Buddy?”
Marlene Leaf added her own handle call:
“Candy cane, this is Rusty nail.”
Radio Checks and Quick Banter
Many of the best CB chatter comes from quick checks and playful comebacks.
Gary Stephen shouted a crystal-clear connection:
“You’re coming in Wall to Wall and Tree Top Tall.”
Carlos Chacon shared a classic:
“Break 1-9, can I get a radio check… It’s in the mail driver.”
Even in short exchanges, you can hear the camaraderie — the quick wit that makes CB culture one-of-a-kind.
CB Slang Keeps the Spirit of the Road Alive
From warnings to good-natured jokes at truck stops, CB radio slang continues to tie drivers together, mile after mile. Whether you’re hammering down or just checking in, these words carry the history and humor of life behind the wheel.
Join the Truck Drivers USA community!
Want to be part of the conversation? Whether you’ve got more CB radio slang or just want to connect with fellow truckers, join us at Truck Drivers USA. Share your stories, tips, and favorite moments from the road — and stay connected with a community that understands the journey.
