What Do 73 and 88 Mean in Ham Radio?

If you spend enough time listening to ham radio operators, you’ll eventually hear someone end a conversation with “73” — and occasionally “88.” To newcomers, the numbers sound mysterious at first, almost like some kind of secret radio code passed between operators.

In reality, these are some of the oldest and most recognizable shorthand expressions in amateur radio.

The code “73” has been used by radio operators for well over a century and remains one of the most common sign-offs in the hobby today. You’ll hear it on HF voice contacts, repeaters, Morse code, digital modes, contesting, and even written on QSL cards and forum posts. Meanwhile, “88” is a more personal variation that carries a very different meaning depending on the context.

What makes these codes interesting is that they actually predate amateur radio itself. They originated in the days of commercial telegraphy during the 1800s and survived through Morse code, early wireless communication, and eventually modern ham radio culture.

In this guide, I’ll explain:

• what 73 means in ham radio
• what 88 means and when it’s used
• where these codes came from
• common myths and misunderstandings
• and why radio operators still use them today

Whether you’re new to amateur radio, studying for your license, or simply curious about radio terminology, understanding 73 and 88 gives you a small but fascinating glimpse into the culture and traditions of the hobby.

What Does 73 Mean in Ham Radio?

73 = “Best regards”

• Universal friendly goodbye in amateur radio
• Used on CW (Morse code), SSB phone, FT8, DMR, repeaters — everywhere
• Appropriate for any operator, any age, any gender
• Plural form: “73s” = best regards to everyone (common on nets)

Example:
“Thanks for the QSO, John — 73!”
= “Thanks for the contact, best regards!”

What Does 88 Mean in Ham Radio?

88 = “Love and kisses”

• Much more affectionate and personal
• Traditionally sent to a spouse, girlfriend/boyfriend, or very close friend
• Often used by YLs (Young Ladies) and XYLs (wives/ex-Young Ladies)
• Common around Valentine’s Day or Christmas nets

Example:
“See you later, dear, 73 to everyone else and 88 to you!”
= “Best regards to the group, but love and kisses just for you.”

Quick Reference Table – 73 vs 88 in Amateur Radio

Code	Meaning	Morse Code	When to Use It	Frequency of Use
73	Best regards	−−··· ···−−	Every contact — standard sign-off	Extremely common
88	Love and kisses	−−−·· −−−··	To spouse, partner, or very close friend	Less common
73s	Best regards (plural)		Ending a net or roundtable	Very common
73 & 88	Mixed greeting		Husband/wife team on air	Common on HF nets

Where Did 73 and 88 Come From? (Real History)

These are not ham radio inventions. They originated in the 1800s from commercial landline telegraphy:

• First appeared in the 1859 Western Union “92 Code.”
• Popularized in the Phillips Code (1879)
• 73 = “Accept my compliments” → later “Best regards”
• 88 = “Love and kisses”

When amateur radio began in the early 1900s, hams simply adopted the already-famous telegraph shorthand — and never let it go.

Common Myths & Misconceptions

❌ “73 means good luck” → False
❌ “73 means goodbye” → Not exactly — it’s “best regards.”
❌ “88 is only for female operators” → No, anyone can send or receive it

Modern Usage in 2025

You’ll still see these codes literally everywhere in the hobby:

• End of almost every eQSL, QRZ, and Logbook of the World card
• Automatic sign-off in WSJT-X and JS8Call
• Printed on QSL cards: “73 de [callsign]”
• Even in ham radio forum signatures and email footers

Bonus Related Ham Radio Codes

While not as universal as 73 and 88, you might also hear:

• 72 = “Best regards” on QRP (low-power) contacts (popularized by JS8/FT8 users)
• 77 = “Long live CW” or “Best wishes from the OM/YL” (rare)

Final Summary – When to Use 73 and 88

• Use 73 with everyone — it’s always safe and correct
• Save 88 for someone you actually want to send “love and kisses” to
• Combine them when a couple is operating: “73 to all and 88 to my XYL”

Now you’re ready to sound like a seasoned ham on your very next contact!

73 and maybe an 88 if you’re special 😉

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