Elmer Among Hams

Among ham radio enthusiasts, the word Elmer has become an affectionate term for an experienced ham radio operator who mentors a novice. It’s also used as a verb: Elmering someone means helping a new ham. The term was coined in a 1971 magazine article by Rod Newkirk, who wrote about his own mentor, Elmer P. Frohardt Jr. of Madison, Wisconsin. An older slang use of Elmer denotes a “rube” or “gullible person.” In ham radio lingo, 73 is a way of signing off with “best regards.” This is part of a complete episode.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

More from this show

You Dropped Your Pocket

Nikki in Charlotte, North Carolina, shares the story of a man who casually told passersby You dropped your pocket, prompting them to check for something that wasn’t there in the first place. That silly saying reminds her of playing pool and trying...