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Glite Dictionary
📢 A slogan 💾 A data symbol 🕵️ A secret word
codeword

codeword

1 5.5
A word used as a slogan to represent an idea or policy
  • noun
  • /ˈkoʊdˌwɜrd/
translation icon : slogan
  • Among the activists, "environmental justice" serves as a codeword for their commitment to climate action.

Examples

  • The term "healthy eating" has become a codeword for organic and locally-sourced foods.

  • "Liberal" does not have a fixed, objective meaning with them; it is just a codeword for 'domestic enemy' of the conservative movement.

    Blog text (1)

  • The movie makes it seem like this is a mysterious codeword or something, like this is a vital part of Bond's mission.

    Blog text (17)

  • "Breakpoints" is merely a codeword for "multiple designs."

    Blog text (27)

  • What seems to now be occurring is that this entire classical model of international governance—for which the term "sovereignty" appears in one sense to have become a codeword or symbol—is under challenge.

    Academic text (1994)

  • "Anti-fascism" and "anti-racism" are just codewords for europhobic and never seem to apply to, say, pro-Black or pro-Latino organizations.

    Blog text (9)

  • In political discussions, "freedom" can be a codeword for reducing government regulations.

Synonyms

slogan
vscodeword
202 2.5

A short memorable phrase a group uses to express its main idea

represents a particular idea, movement, or policy rather than general purpose
buzzword
vscodeword
27 5.6

A popular word or phrase people use a lot until it loses its real meaning

is used to represent an idea or policy rather than being mere trendy jargon
tagline
vscodeword
21 3.7

A short memorable phrase that describes a person, company, or product

represents a political idea, movement, or policy rather than advertising products
watchword
vscodeword
5 7.0

A short phrase that guides a group or cause

focuses on representing a specific idea or policy rather than rallying supporters
catchword
vscodeword
1 7.6

A short word or phrase often used by a group as a slogan

represents a specific idea or policy rather than only being group characteristic
byword
vscodeword
1 7.6

A short saying that is easy to remember and expresses a general truth

represents a specific idea, movement, or policy rather than stating a general truth

Surface Forms

codeword singular
codewords plural

Morphology

codeword = code + word (semi-transparent) = code + word

The compound structure is clear, but using a 'codeword' as a political slogan or label is a figurative/pragmatic extension that may not be immediately obvious to all learners.

Etymology

Codeword comes from code ('a system of signs' or 'hidden meaning') and word ('a single word'), so it is like a small label for a larger idea. That is why a codeword can work as a slogan or signal that stands for a movement or policy.