Secret codes, decoded

Pilots don’t say “Roger” to mean “yes.” Here’s what it really means

Every line of work has its own secret language. Pilots, nurses, actors, filmmakers, and sailors all use words and signals that mean something very specific to insiders. If you’re an outsider overhearing them, you probably wonder, "What the heck is going on?" Some of these terms are technical, some are funny, and some are just plain absurd. Take why pilots say "Roger" when they don’t mean "yes," or what "S.O.S." really stands for (spoiler: it doesn’t stand for anything). Let’s decode 10 of them.

"Roger" doesn’t mean yes; it means "message received." Early radio operators spelled out letters with code words so garbled static wouldn’t ruin things, and the word for R was "Roger." R stood for "received," so the name stuck. The alphabet changed in 1957, and R became "Romeo," but "Roger" lived on like an old uncle at Thanksgiving. Civilians never learn it because most of us have never radioed a tower.

Surprise: it doesn’t stand for anything. "Save Our Souls" is a catchy myth invented later. In Morse code, S is three dots, and O is three dashes, so the signal is just three dots, three dashes, three dots. It was adopted at a radio conference in Berlin in 1906, took effect in 1908, and was easy to send and hard to mistake. The Titanic famously used it in 1912. Since it isn’t an acronym, those periods in "S.O.S." are technically incorrect.

Imagine a hospital full of patients on oxygen, in surgery, or unable to walk, and then somebody shouts "FIRE!" That’s a recipe for panic. So hospitals use color codes: Code Red means fire, Code Blue means a patient needs resuscitation, and so on. Hospitals began adopting codes in the 1960s, and they still differ from state to state. Patients are often left confused, which is rather the point.

If you hear "Code Adam" over a store speaker, a child is missing. Staff lock the doors and search. It’s named for Adam Walsh, a six-year-old who vanished from a Sears store in Hollywood, Florida, in 1981. Walmart introduced the program in 1994, and many other stores followed. Stores use a code instead of a plain announcement so a possible abductor doesn’t panic and bolt.

That graceful sweep of the hands isn’t flight attendant theater. Federal rules require airlines to show passengers where the exits are, and the open-palm, arm-sweeping gesture makes the pointing clear and unmistakable, even in a noisy, crowded cabin. It dates back to the early days of commercial jets in the 1950s and ’60s. Most of us tune it out, usually while hunting for the little bag of pretzels.

Nothing to do with the May 1st holiday. In 1923, it was hard to make out the letter "S" over radio telephone, so "S.O.S." was swapped for "mayday" on cross-channel flights between Britain and France. The word sounds like the French "m’aidez," meaning "help me." It was made the official voice distress call in 1927. Saying it three times keeps it from being mistaken for a message that merely mentions it. Most of us only hear it in movies.

Even though there’s no single worldwide rule, ships do use dim red or blue lighting in some areas at night so crews keep their night vision when they step out on deck, and on European rivers a blue light can flag dangerous cargo. Cruise lines also use soft lighting for ambiance. Naturally, passengers rarely hear about any of it because ship rules are written for crews, not vacationers.

Hand gestures don’t mean the same thing everywhere. Arrests are actually rare, but real trouble is possible. The "thumbs up" is rude in parts of the Middle East. The "OK" sign is an insult in Brazil and a few other countries. In Greece, an open palm shoved toward someone’s face, called the "moutza," is a serious insult dating back to Byzantine times. Americans stumble into this because we assume our gestures are universal. They aren’t.

Actors consider it bad luck to wish each other luck, so they wish a little disaster instead. Nobody agrees on the origin. One theory says performers who bowed or took curtain calls were literally "breaking the leg" of the stage curtain. Another points to German pilots in the 1930s saying "neck and leg break." Either way, it’s an old theater superstition. If you say "good luck" backstage, expect some glares.

On a movie or TV set, "martini shot" means the last setup of the day. The name is supposedly a joke that the next shot will be out of a glass. Its sidekick is the "Abby Singer," the second-to-last shot. It’s named after an assistant director who would call out "this, and one more" so the crew could prepare to move to the next set.

BEHIND THE STARS

Discover These 10 Facts You Didn't Know About The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

Image: De'Andre Bush

Renowned across the globe and standing as one of the most visited tourist attractions in the explosive city of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Walk of Fame hasn't always been the iconic landmark we know today. With a long history spiced with humorous anecdotes and moments of glamour, but also with its percentage of disputes, delays, mistakes, and even thefts, the stars on Hollywood Boulevard are an irresistible spectacle, captivating the attention of everybody.

So, read on if you're up to discover 10 fascinating facts you probably didn't know about the iconic Walk of Fame in the City of Angels!

Image: Auke Bakker

Today, the Hollywood Walk of Fame spans over 15 blocks, boasting the celebrated names of the entertainment industry's most iconic stars. But every tale begins with a single step, right? Once upon a time, there was the inaugural star.

That honor went to producer and director Stanley Kramer, a true visionary in early 20th-century American cinema. This inauguration took place on February 8, 1960, that's right, more than 60 years ago.

While there had been temporary displays of stars featuring various names before Kramer's, his star was the first to be immortalized permanently on the iconic Walk.

Image: Aman

Did you know that, besides the intention of honoring celebrities, the Walk of Fame emerged as a clever strategy to beautify that area of the city and thus attract more tourists? The stars permanently engraved on the sidewalks would give visitors the impression that they are even closer to their beloved idols.

Although the idea first came up in 1953, it took a long time to materialize fully: about 7 years. And that's not all; legend has it that the initial prototype not only featured the name inside the star but also included a caricature of the honoree.

Image: Oxana Melis

But the path forward was far from easy. After the initial placement of 1500 stars on the Walk, eight long years passed without any new additions. Those years marked a period of low traffic in the area.

However, after considerable effort, film producer Richard Darryl Zanuck—you know him for producing films such as The Sting (1973) and Cocoon **(1985)**—was honored in 1968 with an eye-catching ceremony, setting a precedent that would shape the way new stars were introduced at the now iconic location.

Image: Daniela Holzer

We all make mistakes; it's part of being human. And even those responsible for designing the stars on the Walk aren't immune to a slip-up.

Adding to the charm of the place, a couple of stars had some unexpected typos in the honorees' names. For example, in 1993, the iconic Dick Van Dyke found his last name transformed into "Vandyke" on his star. Fortunately, the blunder didn't stick for long before it was corrected.

However, some stars kept their typos. One particularly paradoxical example is the first name of cinematography pioneer Auguste Lumière, which was spelled as "August."

Image: Jose Antonio Gallego Vázquez

With the beginning of the prestigious ceremonies in the Walk of Fame, a set of guidelines came into play.

Among these guidelines there is one pivotal rule: as the star on the Walk is considered an award shared by the celebrities and their fans, the honoree must give prior confirmation that they will attend the unveiling.

Rumor has it that many years ago**, Bruce Springsteen**, the legendary musician, declined to attend his ceremony upon nomination. His decision sparked a significant conversation about the importance of participation in the esteemed event. Thus, this regulation is now known as the "Springsteen Clause."

Image: Taha

Attendance is requested, with no exceptions, even for those who live beyond the realms of our reality!

Many characters, beloved by fans around the globe, exist in the fantasy world. However, it would be unfair to deny these icons their rightful place among the stars on the Walk of Fame just because of their fictional nature.

As a result, multiple animated characters and even puppets have been honored at the Walk. Among them are Disney celebs like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Snow White; iconic movie stars like Shrek and the great Godzilla; as well as classics like Bugs Bunny and Snoopy.

Image: Jake Blucker

There are some undoubtedly established names whose absence from the famous Boulevard may strike you. Well, in some cases, this is because the nominated celebrity did not agree to go through with the process. Of course, each superstar has their own peculiar motivations and considerations guiding their choices.

Among the celebrities who reportedly rejected their star or just remained indifferent to their nominations are the legendary Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, and the iconic Queen of Pop, Madonna herself!

Image: Kenny Eliason

The stunning Walk of Fame stars glow under the bright lights, drawing in both locals and visitors alike. But what many don't realize is the intricate process that lies behind each of these iconic symbols.

From design to production and installation to the pomposity of the opening ceremony, every step has its price. So let's not forget the bulky fees, which currently hover around $75,000 per star!

Image: Scott Rodgerson

Even in this world of glam, crime lurks in the shadows. Believe it or not, some stars adorning the Walk of Fame have been stolen.

Back in 2000, during a construction modification at the site, Kirk Douglas' and James Stewart's stars mysteriously vanished from their spots. Shortly after, the thief was apprehended, bringing relief to fans and authorities.

But there is a third case that remains unsolved. In 2005, someone took the star of the iconic Gregory Peck, using tools to remove it from the concrete (it's worth mentioning that each star weighs an impressive 300 pounds!). The perpetrator and the original star were never found.

Image: Deleece Cook

As we walk these streets, we are captivated not only by the glamour on the surface but also by the hidden treasures that lie beneath.

In 2010, a time capsule was buried 4 feet under the iconic Walk, precisely at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue. Within the small metal box are 50 carefully selected items, symbolizing the 50th anniversary of the site. Among these treasures lie a miniature replica of the iconic Capitol Records building, a script from the classic Casablanca, a fragment of Elvis Presley's star, and a collection of newspaper articles about the Walk of Fame.

In 2060, exactly 50 years after its burial, the capsule will be unearthed, revealing its secrets to a new generation.