The art and language of honking

Honking has its own language.

Beep!-The short quick honk is a polite honk letting you know the light is green or be careful. It is not rude or mean. You are quickly communicating the need for awareness. We all understand sometimes we are not paying attention as well as we should. Never be offended when you receive the quick honk and it is not rude to give the short honk.

Beep! Beep! It is the two honk hello. We are trying to get a friend's attention to say hello. We noticed them in another car or walking on the sidewalk and wish to give them joy and wave.

Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep- continuous honking is only appropriate when traveling through a tunnel for echoing effect or signaling excitement when leaving a most exciting sporting event in which your team won. The short quick constant beeping represents excitement and fun.

BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!- The long hold down honk of frustration. This honk signals annoyance and frustration of the other driver's driving skills. It is similar to yelling at someone. It is not polite, but represents complete irritation. This honk should be used when accidents are about to occur.

Hoooonnnk!- The trucker's honk after being signaled for a honk by a passing passenger. (kids love to do this.)

Also, don't forget the courtesy wave when someone lets you in. It can be a full on hand wave or a slight raise of the hand, but you need to acknowledge kindness with appreciation. Who doesn't love to be appreciated?