Working on improving my CW speed and wondering about the standard abbreviations everyone uses. I know 73 - Best regards, a greeting sent by radio amateurs over the air. and 88 - Love and kisses, a greeting sent by radio amateurs over the air (to a YL or XYL).

What are the most common non-Q abbreviations I should learn? I keep seeing OM, XYL, FB, TNX, ES but want to make sure I'm using them correctly. When it comes to things like Q Codes and abbreviations, much of this comes directly from a time when Hams used Morse Code (CW) to communicate.

Key ones I need clarification on:

• OM, YL, XYL - the addressing terms
• Common sign-offs beyond 73
• Frequently used words like "and", "the", "with"

OM: Old man - an abbreviation really meaning friend (used for any male ham regardless of age). However xYL is technically not the correct term. The original term of YL , which is a CW (morse code) abbreviation, is the one that is technically the correct term to use. FB = "fine business" (means OK), TNX = thanks, ES = "and". These cover most casual QSOs.

For efficiency: UR = your, HR = here, WX = weather, RIG = station/equipment. TNX: Thanks - this ham radio abbreviation is widely used for Morse / CW transmissions. Don't forget CUL (see you later) and GL (good luck) for sign-offs. Start with the basics and add more as you encounter them on-air.

Been using CW for contests and You may hear people using "73s" and "88s" when signing off. Making these numbers into a plural form this way doesn't make sense. You're effectively saying "Best regards" or "Love and kisses". Just stick to 73 or 88, even when saying goodbye to a large group, because 73 and 88 are already in their plural version. Common mistake to avoid!