in-joke

American  

[in-johk] / ˈɪnˌdʒoʊk /

noun

1. a joke that can be understood or appreciated only by the members of a limited group of people.

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Etymology

Origin of in-joke

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

And Plemons, suddenly the new kid in class again, outside the in-joke despite his second film with these two, declares, “That’s the end of the interview.”

From Los Angeles Times

The group has been bragging about hacks and sharing incomprehensible in-jokes for days.

From BBC

More than anything, it’s evidence that “Honey Don’t!” primarily exists as the couple’s own affectionate in-joke.

From Los Angeles Times

It remained popular in that fandom, particularly among gamers making in-jokes about “Star Wars: Battlefront” and other releases set in the galaxy far, far away.

From Salon

A hidden in-joke in a movie or TV series is one thing; burying two slickly executed Easter eggs from your stars’ previous hits takes things to another level.

From Los Angeles Times