View synonyms for code word

code word

noun

code name.
a euphemistic or politically acceptable catchword or phrase used instead of a blunter or less acceptable term:
The official report said the diplomats had a “frank and serious discussion”—code words for “angry argument.”

First recorded in 1880–85

The only way to get a glass was to order it using the secret code word, “tanqueta,” which translates as “small tank.”

The message contained a line that jumped out, given that “wedding” is an al Qaeda code word for an attack dating back to 9/11.

The rest left for France or “abroad,” he says, a Tunisian Jewry code word to avoid association with Israel.

Peter perceived Romney's call for "stability" as code word for creeping annexation.

She came up with a code word―“peace”―for her teacher if the abuse happened again, and she called the teacher and used the word.

We will give you the code word, and we ask nothing in return but that you listen for sixty seconds.

A code word in his patter advertised to his confederates exactly whereabouts upon your person the treasure was carried.

"Stat" means emergency, that's just a code word that has been used for years in medical terms.

Dave glanced at the old man as he spoke the secret code word, but there was not so much as a flicker of the eyelids.

Snap had taken the code-word sheet, that time we sealed the purser in the cage.

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