This expression was brought to my attention recently by my friend, Robin Hornbuckle. Thanks, Robin, for asking me about this unusual, but common, saying.

According to the ACP 125 (F) Communications Instructions Radiotelephone Procedures, Sept. 2001, “wilco” is a military “proword” (procedure word) meaning that a radio transmission has been received and will be complied with (will comply). It was first recorded in the U.S. military between 1935 and 1940, and is short for will comply. Roger indicates understanding.                                                                                                                            

The online Slang Dictionary states that roger stands for the initial ‘R” in “Message Received.”

There is an interesting post script, however, to the use of this expression. The 1946 to 1954 Copyright Registration Cards include several uses of the term “Roger, wilco.” The following on page n1460 has a copyright date of 1946, showing it being used as the name of a candy bar:

Johnson, Walter He, candy co., claimant. Roger Wilco in the wild and wooly West. (Candy bar) (Fresno, Calif., Printed by Fresno bee) c1946.

Other related texts also list this usage.

Roger, wilco was also used repeatedly in the play, "Night Club" by Kenneth Bernard published in 1971.

If you have a phrase you would like to see featured here, please text Stan at 931-212-3303 or email him at stan@stclair.net