commo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/Very Low (Specialist slang)Informal, slang, jargon (primarily military, historical, political)
Quick answer
What does “commo” mean?
A slang or informal abbreviation for 'communication', 'communist', or, in military contexts, 'communications officer' or 'communications equipment'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A slang or informal abbreviation for 'communication', 'communist', or, in military contexts, 'communications officer' or 'communications equipment'.
In military and informal contexts, refers to systems, personnel, or methods related to communication. In historical/political slang, refers to a communist.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more prevalent in UK/Australian military slang (commo = signaller). In US, may be associated more with Vietnam-era military slang. The 'communist' meaning is broadly understood in both but dated.
Connotations
Informal, often gritty or practical. Can imply a degree of familiarity or insider knowledge.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. UK usage might lean slightly more towards the military 'signaller' meaning.
Grammar
How to Use “commo” in a Sentence
establish [commo] with [someone]maintain [commo]handle [commo]be on [commo]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “commo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to commo with HQ at 0800.
American English
- He'll commo the coordinates once he's in position.
adverb
British English
- They were talking commo, all static and codes.
American English
- He reported in, commo-style, quick and clear.
adjective
British English
- The commo truck was parked under camouflage.
American English
- Check the commo line before we move out.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in historical or military studies as a cited slang term.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would cause confusion.
Technical
Used within specific military or emergency service jargon.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “commo”
- Using it in formal writing
- Assuming listeners will understand without context
- Spelling it as 'comms' when intending the specific slang 'commo'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is specialist slang, not a standard English word. You will not find it in most general dictionaries.
Absolutely not. It is informal, low-frequency slang and would be inappropriate and confusing in business or general correspondence.
They are very similar military/tech slang for 'communications'. 'Comms' is far more common in modern usage (e.g., 'comms check'). 'Commo' feels more dated or specific to certain units/eras.
Context is everything. In a military or technical context, it means communication. In a political or historical context, especially from the mid-20th century, it likely means communist.
A slang or informal abbreviation for 'communication', 'communist', or, in military contexts, 'communications officer' or 'communications equipment'.
Commo is usually informal, slang, jargon (primarily military, historical, political) in register.
Commo: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒm.əʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑː.moʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Go commo dark”
- “Keep commo open”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a COMMOn soldier (COMMO) trying to use the radio.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A LIFELINE (military context).
Practice
Quiz
In a historical novel about the Cold War, the word 'commo' most likely refers to: