heavy

Intermediate 🎖️ Military / Defense

Definition

Radio call indicating a large aircraft or formation, typically carrying enough ordnance to ruin someone's entire decade. When 'heavy' shows up, someone's day is about to get significantly worse.

Example Usage

Any station this net, Bone Heavy inbound to your grid with full payload—clear the airspace.

Origin

Aviation terminology for aircraft maximum takeoff weight exceeding 300,000 pounds

Fun Fact

FAA requires pilots to say 'heavy' after their call sign (e.g., 'United 747 heavy') to warn other aircraft about dangerous wake turbulence—military usage adapted this for intimidation factor.

Source: Military aviation and air traffic control terminology

Translate This Term

See “heavy” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator