KØHB wrote:
On May 10, 3:37 pm, "Ivor Jones" wrote:

Ok Hans, I can understand that, but just out of curiosity, *why* do you
say "handle" instead of "name" - it's not at all obvious to me.


Probably mostly from ingrained habit. When I got into amateur radio
as a teen it was what "the oldtimers" did, and newcomers wanting
nothing more than to be perceived as "insiders", adopt the mannerisms
of those they heard on the air.

Many vocations and avocations have a "lingo" which, while it may
strike outsiders as "quaint" or "affected", identifies you to your
peers as "one of them".

73, de Hans

(For another example, why do we say "73" on phone, when it was
originally meant as Morse shorthand for some long flowery phrase like
"All the very best wishes, fair winds, following seas, and I hope you
get lucky with the fair maid who is the object of your humble but
earnest desire.")

If I might respectfully offer a little perspective for us all....

Not everyone speaks as we do. There are different customs in different
areas.

I for one cringe every time that I hear someone speaking "HI HI" on
phone. To my way of thinking, if something is funny, I will laugh.

However, I realize that my personal dislike of that particular phrase
is MY problem, not the person who is saying the words that irritate me.

So unless the other person's words are obscene or suggestive, I'll just
avoid imposing my opinions on them.

- 73 de Mike KB3EIA -