handie-talkie

A park ranger uses a handie-talkie to report a sighting.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Portable two-way radio: A "handie-talkie" is a small, handheld radio transceiver that allows users to communicate wirelessly over short distances, typically used by security personnel, event staff, or outdoor enthusiasts.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The security guard used a handie-talkie to coordinate with his team. (A portable radio for communication.)
  • During the hike, they each carried a handie-talkie in case of emergencies. (A handheld device for sending and receiving messages.)
  • The pilot radioed the ground crew on his handie-talkie. (A handheld transceiver used for professional communication.)

Advanced Usage

• "to speak on a handie-talkie": to use the device for verbal communication.
  • He spoke on his handie-talkie to confirm the meeting point. (He used the portable radio to talk.)

Variants and Related Words

• Handie-talkie (n): The exact spelling is often hyphenated, though it may appear as "handy-talky" in informal usage. Note: This word is distinct from "walkie-talkie", which is a more common synonym for a similar device.

Synonyms

• Walkie-talkie: A portable two-way radio (the most common synonym).
• Two-way radio: A general term for any radio that can both transmit and receive.
• Transceiver: A device that combines a transmitter and a receiver.

Related Idioms

• On the handie-talkie: A phrase indicating communication via the device.
  • The manager was on the handie-talkie, giving orders to the staff. (Using the portable radio to give instructions.)

Notes

• The word "handie-talkie" is less common than "walkie-talkie" and is often used in technical or specific contexts (e.g., military, aviation). It emphasizes the handheld nature of the device.