(nilimage/iStock)
QAP means “I’m listening”, QSL is the same as “understood” and TKS is a way of saying “thank you”.
These and more than 30 other acronyms make up the so-called Q code, created in 1912 in an international convention to facilitate communication between radio operators who speak different languages. With the acronyms, ambiguity and the need to repeat the same message if the transmission is bad were eliminated.
After its invention, the Q code became popular with everyone who uses radio as a means of communication—from military personnel in war operations to security guards on their walkie-talkies. It is not known for sure why the letter Q was chosen to start the acronyms (with the exception of TKS). Most likely, Q is used because there are few words that start with that letter, and this is true in many languages. The idea is to avoid possible confusion with other terms as much as possible.
Initially, the Q code contained only twelve acronyms, but it has been expanded over time – and today it is also used by aviation. Here are some more Q code expressions:
QRA: What is your name? [originalmente usado para perguntar o nome de um navio ou estação de transmissão].
QRS: Speak more slowly.
QRL: Are you busy?
QRV: I am available [pronto].
QSM: Do you understand?
QSQ: Do you have a doctor on board? [para navios e aviões]
QTJ: What is your current speed? [idem]
QRX: What time is the next contact?
QAQ: I am [voando] near a prohibited area?
QCH: I can taxi to [determinada pista de decolagem]?