English · Slang Attested

glass arm

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

A stiff arm resulting from a long session of amateur radio CW operation.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

cánh tay cứng do một phiên hoạt động radio CW nghiệp dư dài

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Where it’s used: Used American English

If he were to use his fingers instead of his wrist, he would soon have telegrapher's paralysis or a “glass arm," in the lingo of the radio cabin.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Topics: Arms

Common questions

What does “glass arm” mean?

A stiff arm resulting from a long session of amateur radio CW operation.

Is “glass arm” formal or informal?

glass arm is generally slang.

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