Did someone tell you “Oscar Mike” after asking them where they were? What does this mean? Did they forget your name or something? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression “Oscar Mike” means that you are on the move to a destination. You could be using any form of transport or walking from your base to the rendezvous location. The term “Oscar Mike” is military jargon, and it consists of a shortening of “On the Move” to “OM.”
In the military phonetic language, the letters “O” and “M” are pronounced as “Oscar” and “Mike.” Radio operators use the phonetic alphabet for clear, concise communications with teams, operators, and field bases.
The saying is more commonly used in ex-military operators integrating into civilian life. However, many civilians that have no experience in the military will use it to describe that they are on the move.” It’s a similar idiomatic expression as “10-4,” the police code for “copy” or “understood.” Many civilians use it, regardless of having no police experience.
Example Usage
“We’re Oscar Mike to the location. We’re around three clicks out, and we should be there in ten minutes. Let us know when the target arrives.”
“Hey Jim, Oscar Mike, It’s time to leave for the game, or we’ll be late.”
“Kids, this is it. Oscar Mike, everyone into the car. Let’s start this family road trip to Disneyland right now.”
“We’re Oscar Mile en route to the location, our ETA is around five minutes, and we have the package in hand, ready for the exchange.”
“They are Oscar Mike en route to the safe house right now, boss. Do you want us to take them in transit or wait till they arrive?”
“We’re Oscar Mike to your place right now. Give us around twenty minutes. Traffic is a beast right now.”
“Let’s go. Team, we’re Oscar Mike to the training camp, and we don’t make any pitstops along the way for anything. Does everyone understand?”
Origin
The expression “Oscar Mike” comes from military origins. The US armed forces adopted the phonetic alphabet for shorthand communications in 1927, with the current adaptation being refined during World War II.
The US Military standardized the same phonetic alphabet across all its branches in 1941 to simplify communications. The Royal Air Force also uses a similar phonetic alphabet, “Able Baker,” for radio communications.
The International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet, or NATO alphabet, also relies on the “Able Baker” structure. Ex-military personnel might use terms like Oscar Mike outside of operations in civilian life. Some gamers that enjoy the “Call of Duty” franchise may use it in online communications with other players.
Phrases Similar to Oscar Mike
- Passing through.
- Heading toward.
- Making headway.
- In passage.
Phrases Opposite to Oscar Mike
- At a standstill.
- Close-mouthed.
- Clammed up.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Oscar Mike.
Ways People May Say Oscar Mike Incorrectly
The phrase has nothing to do with people's names. If you have a friend named Mike or Oscar, you're not asking them to drive, and they don't have any incentive to drive either.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Oscar Mike
You can use the phrase "Oscar Mike" in situations where you want to give a military-style edge to your communications with your family and friends. If you're leaving for vacation with the family, you could tell your kids that you're Oscar mike and the next stop is the beach.
If you're with your friends, you could tell everyone to get in the car because Oscar Mike, you're on the way to the game. It's comm0on for ex-military people to use the code more than civilians, but many gamers use it when playing online games in the "Call of Duty" franchise.
It's also suitable for text communications. You could text your friends "OM" or Oscar Mike" to let them know you are on your way to meet them at a location.