Definition

Phonetic alphabet for 'loud and clear,' confirming excellent radio reception and communication quality. The military equivalent of 'can you hear me now?' but with a definitive answer.

Example Usage

How copy on this radio check? Lima charlie, I read you five by five.

Origin

NATO phonetic alphabet where L = Lima and C = Charlie, representing 'LC' or 'Loud and Clear'

Fun Fact

Often paired with 'five by five' (perfect signal strength and clarity on a 1-5 scale) for maximum redundancy in confirming good comms.

Source: Radio communications terminology

Related Terms

Beginner

grid square

A designated area on a military map defined by coordinate lines, typically 1,000 meters by 1,000 meters. Also a legendary fictitious item that new soldiers are sent to retrieve, alongside chem-light batteries and keys to the drop zone.

🎖 Military / Defense
Intermediate

nasty girl

Slang term for members of the National Guard, used by active duty personnel. Sometimes affectionate, sometimes condescending, depending on who's saying it and current deployment rotations.

🎖 Military / Defense
Intermediate

pogue

Derogatory term for non-combat support personnel, especially those in comfortable rear-echelon positions. Pronounced 'pō-g,' because spelling it POG (Person Other than Grunt) is too straightforward.

🎖 Military / Defense
Advanced

CINC

Commander In Chief — the ultimate boss of all military forces, also known as the President. It is the only job title where your employee orientation includes nuclear launch codes. The most overpowered character in the real-world strategy game.

🎖 Military / Defense
Intermediate

willie pete

Military slang for white phosphorus munitions, which burn at extremely high temperatures and create distinctive white smoke. Named with the military's trademark understated charm for something that can burn through metal and flesh.

🎖 Military / Defense
Intermediate

danger close

A warning that friendly forces are uncomfortably near the target being bombed or shelled, close enough that 'near miss' becomes a very relative term. It's the military version of 'hold my beer and watch this.'

🎖 Military / Defense

Translate This Term

See “lima charlie” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on XShare on FacebookShare on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Beginner

Wellness

A word that used to just mean "not being sick" but has been hijacked to sell everything from yoga retreats to juice clea...