Klick

Origin of: Klick

Klick

Originally US military term for kilometer, not cited before the mid-1960s. Now also used by NATO forces. The etymology is obscure. Most likely a pseudo-condensed pronunciation of kilometer or possibly derives from the sound of a military odometer. In radio communications, kilometers can be mis-heard as 'meters' if there is a cut-out, so the use of 'klicks' is safer.