CODE WORD Definition & Meaning

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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.”

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of code word¹

First recorded in 1880–85

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The court heard that 'car' was their code word for gold.

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Annie is speaking out in the wake of secret filming by the BBC that found 13 of the 25 venues visited by reporters failed to respond appropriately to the Angela code word - which is supposed to indicate to bar staff that a customer is in need of help.

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Following the revelations about the Ask for Angela scheme in the BBC undercover report, major chains including Greene King and JD Wetherspoon, whose staff failed to recognise the code word, said they had implemented comprehensive staff training and overhauled their Ask for Angela protocols.

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A “clean CR”—a little code word they use for these kinds of bills—is one sentence.

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But as the hearing went on, it became clear that "prevention" was just an RFK code word for victim-blaming.

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codeword codex

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