The Vita English Podcast: Stories, Grammar Tips, Vocabulary, and Idioms for Language Learners

Language Q&A: What does 'copy that' mean?

July 05, 2023 Faith Trizna McIsaac Season 3 Episode 10
Language Q&A: What does 'copy that' mean?
The Vita English Podcast: Stories, Grammar Tips, Vocabulary, and Idioms for Language Learners
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The Vita English Podcast: Stories, Grammar Tips, Vocabulary, and Idioms for Language Learners
Language Q&A: What does 'copy that' mean?
Jul 05, 2023 Season 3 Episode 10
Faith Trizna McIsaac

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Welcome to the Vita English Podcast! Join Faith as she explores interesting language topics. In this episode, she talks about the phrase "copy that."

"Copy that" originally came from the military and means "I understand." It's used in different situations like emergency services or aviation. You might have heard it in movies or everyday conversations too.

Faith shares examples of how to use "copy that" in different contexts, like a pilot confirming instructions or an employee understanding their boss's directions. She even tells a personal story about using it while baking bread with her mom.

Faith wants to hear from you! Can you think of a situation where you could use "copy that"? Share your experiences by emailing info@vitaenglish.ca.

Thanks for listening to the Vita English Podcast.  Remember, when it comes to English, use it, live it, love it, and fluency will follow!

Show Notes Transcript

Send us a Text Message.


Welcome to the Vita English Podcast! Join Faith as she explores interesting language topics. In this episode, she talks about the phrase "copy that."

"Copy that" originally came from the military and means "I understand." It's used in different situations like emergency services or aviation. You might have heard it in movies or everyday conversations too.

Faith shares examples of how to use "copy that" in different contexts, like a pilot confirming instructions or an employee understanding their boss's directions. She even tells a personal story about using it while baking bread with her mom.

Faith wants to hear from you! Can you think of a situation where you could use "copy that"? Share your experiences by emailing info@vitaenglish.ca.

Thanks for listening to the Vita English Podcast.  Remember, when it comes to English, use it, live it, love it, and fluency will follow!

Welcome back to the Vita English Podcast! I'm your host, Faith, and I'm excited that you're here for another episode. 

In my English classes, my students often ask interesting questions about words, grammar, and culture. Recently, one of my students came across the phrase 'copy that' in a book and she didn't know what it meant. We had a great discussion about it, and I thought it would be helpful to share with you all. So, today, we're going to talk about the phrase "copy that."

But just before we get started, I want you to know that you can be part of this conversation too. Just like my students, you can ask me questions or suggest topics by sending an email to info@vitaenglish.ca. I love hearing from my listeners, and I might even feature you in an upcoming episode.

Okay, let's dive into our topic: the phrase "copy that."

Do you know where this phrase comes from? It actually has its origins in military communication and radio procedures. In the military, "copy that" is used to confirm that a message has been received and understood. It's a way of saying, "I got it” or “I understand.”

Outside of the military, the phrase "copy that" is used in different situations. You might hear it in professional settings like emergency services, aviation, or law enforcement. It has also become popular in movies, TV shows, and everyday conversations.

When someone says "copy that," it means they understood what you said. It's a short way of letting people know that you got the message.

For example, let's say you're a pilot, and the air traffic controller tells you to change your altitude. You would respond with "Copy that" to confirm that you heard and understood the instruction.

Here’s another example. In a work setting, if your boss gives you directions for a project, you could respond with "Copy that" to show that you understood what needs to be done.

The phrase "copy that" is also used casually in regular conversations. If someone tells you their plans and you want to let them know that you understood, you can say "Copy that." It's a way of saying, "I got it. I understand."

Now, let me share a personal experience related to the phrase "copy that." My mom, who happens to be an excellent baker, was teaching me how to make homemade bread. She was guiding me through the steps and sharing her secret techniques. As she explained each step, I responded with "Copy that" to let her know that I understood and would follow her instructions. This helped us communicate effectively, ensuring that we were on the same page and making the bread just right.

It's pretty cool how the phrase "copy that" has changed over time. It used to be a serious term used in the military, but now we can use it in a fun way when talking about everyday things. Whether you're following a recipe, working on a project, or simply understanding instructions, using "copy that" adds a bit of lightheartedness to the conversation. It's a way to show that you understand and have a playful side. So, the next time you're in any everyday situation where you need to confirm your understanding, go ahead and say "Copy that" to bring a smile to everyone's face.

So, here's a question for you, my listeners. Can you think of a situation where you could use the phrase copy that? It could be in a work situation or during a casual conversation.  I'd love to hear what you come up with and I’d love to give you a chance to practice using the phrase "copy that."

Please share your experiences with the phrase "copy that" by sending an email to info@vitaenglish.ca.

Thank you for listening to the Vita English Podcast. Until next time, I wish you the best on your English language journey. Remember, when it comes to English, use it, live it, love it, and fluency will follow! Goodbye!