Trucker Slang Decoded: Say This, Not That

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Learn the lingo, ditch the cringe — and talk like you’ve been 10 years deep on the road.

Ever heard someone on the CB say, “I got a bear in the air,” and thought they were watching a wildlife documentary?

Relax — it’s just trucking talk.

Trucker slang is like a secret codebook that makes the job more fun, keeps drivers alert, and connects us out on the highway. But let’s be real — some of y’all are out here saying stuff that’s been dead since disco. Or worse, trying to sound cool and just… missing the mark.

So today, we’re decoding real CB chatter with a side of sass.

🧠

1. “10-4” vs. “Copy That, Over & Out”

✅ Say This: “10-4” (classic, crisp, always cool)
❌ Not That: “Copy that, over and out” (this ain’t a walkie-talkie in a kids’ spy kit)

10-4 is quick, clean, and actually used. Anything else makes you sound like you just watched Smokey and the Bandit for the first time last night.

🛻

2. “Lot Lizard” vs. “Truck Stop Companion”

✅ Say This: “Lot Lizard” (not classy, but it’s the lingo)
❌ Not That: “Truck stop companion” (bro… don’t make it weird)

It’s a harsh term, yeah — but in trucker world, it’s understood. Just know it’s best used as a warning, not a judgment.

👮

3. “Bear in the Air” vs. “Police Helicopter”

✅ Say This: “Bear in the air” (slang for aerial speed enforcement)
❌ Not That: “There’s a police chopper above us!” (thanks, Captain Obvious)

Truckers say “bear” for law enforcement — whether they’re on the ground or flying high. Keep it short and sharp.

🐢

4. “Dragon Wagon” vs. “Tow Truck”

✅ Say This: “Dragon Wagon”
❌ Not That: “Tow guy” or “the wrecker dude”

Why be boring when you can sound like a highway legend? A Dragon Wagon sounds like something that rescues knights — not just dead Freightliners.

📻

5. “Got Your Ears On?” vs. “Are You There?”

✅ Say This: “Got your ears on?”
❌ Not That: “You online?” or “Are you listening?”

This one’s CB gold. If someone’s got their ears on, they’re tuned in and ready. If not? Dead air, brother.

🧊

6. “Pickle Park” vs. “Shady Rest Area”

✅ Say This: “Pickle Park” (slang for sketchy rest stops known for… extracurriculars)
❌ Not That: “Uh, that one rest area by the trees…”

Don’t ask why it’s called that. Just… don’t. But if a driver warns you about a pickle park, steer clear unless you like weird encounters.

📦

7. “Back Door” vs. “Behind You”

✅ Say This: “You got a bear on your back door”
❌ Not That: “The cops are behind you”

It’s cooler. It’s quicker. It sounds like you’ve driven more than a week. Use it.

⏱

8. “Hammer Down” vs. “Speed Up”

✅ Say This: “Hammer down”
❌ Not That: “Accelerate” (what is this, a driving exam?)

“Hammer down” means go time. You’re foot-to-the-floor and chewing up miles.

🤔 Final Tip: Don’t Force It

If you’re new to trucking, don’t feel like you gotta drop slang in every sentence. Just like with the road — the more you ride, the smoother you get.

But when in doubt?

Listen more. Talk less. And never, ever say 'breaker breaker 1-9' unless you're doing it ironically. 😂

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