CW abbreviation · Greetings & sign-off
88 in Morse code
Informal CW sign-off meaning 'love and kisses' — used between operators in romantic relationships, or as a warm closer.
Morse rendering
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Sent letter-by-letter with standard inter-letter gaps.
What it saves you on the air
This is the whole reason CW abbreviations exist. Sending 88 instead of spelling out “Love and kisses” cuts 72% of the airtime — 86 dot-units of keying saved every time you send it.
| Speed | 88 | “Love and kisses” | Saved |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 WPM | 3.0s | 11.0s | 7.9s |
| 20 WPM | 2.0s | 7.1s | 5.2s |
| 25 WPM | 1.6s | 5.7s | 4.1s |
Timed with standard spacing: dit 1 unit, dah 3, letter gap 3, word gap 7. Work out any other speed on the timing calculator.
Meaning
88 — Love and kisses
When this is used
Also from the Western Union 92 Code. Today it's most often sent op-to-spouse or between close friends; sending it to a stranger is overly familiar. Combined as '73 88' to a couple operating together.
Examples
| On the air | Plain English |
|---|---|
| 73 88 TO XYL | Best regards and love to your wife. |
| 88 ES 73 | Love and kisses, best regards. |
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