cQ

CQ is a term with several uses, most prominently in radio communication and media.

In radio communications, CQ is a general call to any station. It is used by amateur radio operators and other shortwave practitioners to invite replies from listeners on a given frequency. A typical CQ transmission begins with the CQ call, sometimes repeated, followed by the caller’s own call sign and, if appropriate, the desired mode or band. The origin of CQ is not definitively documented; it is generally treated as a non-specific general call rather than an acronym with a fixed expansion.

In publishing and media, CQ refers to CQ Magazine, a long-running periodical for amateur radio enthusiasts. Published by CQ Communications, Inc., the magazine features articles, equipment reviews, and operator profiles, and it is associated with various amateur radio events and contests.

Beyond these uses, CQ may appear as an acronym or brand in different contexts depending on the organization. As with many two-letter combinations, its meaning is context-dependent and not universally standardized. See also related topics in amateur radio and telecommunications for further information on calling practices and radio culture.