Sadly, some hams have a stick up their butt. They hate no coders, they hate anyone who doesn't build their own gear, they hate CB operators, they hate Baofeng radios, and they hate anyone who doesn't play by what they believe are the rules.
The correct term is "73". It was designed for Morse code useage, as it's easier to tap that out in Morse code as opposed to "best wishes". But occasionally you will hear somebody sign off with "seventy-thirds".
And for future reference, when a ham gets like that, just say "88 OM". That's Morse for "hugs and kisses you old coot". That'll really leave him with a bad taste in his mouth.
Or....Don't use Morse code lingo at all on the air.....Same with q codes. Just talk like you would if you were talking on the telephone.
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