code word - Definition from Longman English Dictionary Online

code word
noun

code word [countable]

1 a word or phrase that is given a different meaning to its usual meaning, so that it can be used to communicate something secretly

2 a word or expression that you use instead of a more direct one when you want to avoid shocking someone

code word for

'Lively discussion' is a code word for 'arguing'.

Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

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code word noun

code-sharing noun