It is very likely that as a kid you invented a code language, one you could use to speak with your siblings without your parents being able to understand and to exchange secrets with your classmates and make sure that even if a teacher was around, you wouldn’t get caught. Remember the excitement of creating your own codewords and using them left, right, and center just because you could, and how it felt like you were spies deep undercover?
Well, you were not that far from the truth. Not only spies, but people of all professions and occupations have been using a secret code of some kind that was only understandable to those who were part of the circle for a very long time in history. And of course, there were many secret societies and organizations that would use a secret code language for their safety and the safety of their plans.
Today this tradition continues for many professionals whose daily work is in some way connected with emergency situations. In doing so, they pursue two goals. Number one, during an emergency, it is always easier to use short and concise messages instead of trying to anxiously explain the situation. And number two, imagine yourself as a visitor or a patient in a hospital, and all of a sudden people start running around, waving their hands, and screaming “Fire!” Your reaction? Yeah, even if you don’t faint, you’ll probably start panicking, getting in everyone’s way, and making things worse. To avoid this, professionals use a special code word that, while meaning virtually nothing to you, tells them exactly what’s happening and what actions should be taken. People like doctors, policemen, firefighters, and others have a whole list of code words for danger that they use when they don’t want to alert the public.
But codes are not only used for emergencies. Sometimes they just make communication easier and more understandable. For example, when pilots need to spell something over the radio when they are in the air, they use special alphabet code names. This way, they make sure there is no mistake just because someone misheard a letter.
Some code words have become common public knowledge through movies and TV shows. We collected a list of similar words for this article and added their explanations. How many did you recognize? Do you know any other code words? Share them with us in the comments.
#1
“There’s an oil spill at…” or “Cardboard boxes lying on the ground.”
Used between taxi drivers to warn others about a police speed detection unit.
#2
10-33.
Used by police, meaning “Emergency, All Units Stand By” to clear the chatter and make the communication between officers easier, faster and clearer.
Image source: all-police-codes.com
#3
Code Bravo.
It’s used by many cruise ship lines to alert the crew about a fire or other serious emergency onboard, without alarming the passengers.
Image source: dco.uscg.mil
#4
Charlie, Charlie, Charlie.
Code for a security threat aboard Royal Caribbean ships.
#5
Code Oscar.
It is used when there is a man gone overboard
Image source: chicagotribune.com
#6
Code Silver.
It is used by hospital to alert about a violent threat, hostage situation or other scenario that would require a lockdown.
Image source: wsha.org
#7
Pan-Pan.
It’s the international standard urgency signal to indicate that someone on a boat, a plane, an aircraft or in any other vehicle is having a situation that is urgent.
Image source: tc.gc.ca
#8
Inspector Sands.
Used by public transport authorities in the United Kingdom, it’s to alert staff to a fire alarm without evacuating the station.
Image source: telegraph.co.uk
#9
Gasworks.
Used by London taxi drivers while referring to Palace of Westminster.
#10
Gardening.
During World War 2, Royal Air Force pilots used this code word to describe mine-laying operations.
#11
Delta, Delta, Delta.
Commonly used to alert crew of hull damage, it can also indicate a possible bio-hazard scenario.
#12
Star Code, Star Code, Star Code.
A code word for medical emergency on Celebrity ships.
#13
Code Black.
In buildings covered by Australian Standard 4083, it means that there is a personal threat.
Image source: saiglobal.com
#14
“Catch you on the flip flop.”
Used by truckers to say “see you on your return trip”.
#15
Banzai.
NATO brevity code word meaning information or a directive to execute launch and decide tactics.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#16
Buzzer.
NATO brevity call meaning “electronic communications jamming”.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#17
7500.
A number the pilots are trained to say in an event of a hijacking of the plane.
Image source: abcnews.go.com
#18
Code Blue.
Hospitals often have different code words for specific scenarios, but “Code Blue” usually indicated a patient who has gone into a cardiac arrest.
#19
Dr. Firestone.
Used by hospital staff to alert that there is a fire underway.
#20
Code Grey.
In hospitals and other buildings covered by Australian Standard 4083, this code word means that there is a combative person without a weapon.
Image source: saiglobal.com
#21
Code Brown.
In hospitals under Alberta Health Services, this code means that there’s a chemical spill or hazardous material.
Image source: athabascau.ca
#22
Code White.
In hospitals under Alberta Health Services, Code White means that there is a case of violence or aggression.
Image source: athabascau.ca
#23
Code Purple.
In hospitals under Alberta Health Services, this code word means that there is a hostage situation.
Image source: athabascau.ca
#24
Code Yellow.
In hospitals under Alberta Health Services, this code word means that there is a patient missing.
Image source: athabascau.ca
#25
Code 66.
In hospitals under Alberta Health Services, it calls for rapid response.
Image source: athabascau.ca
#26
Code Pink.
In hospitals under British Columbia Ministry of Health, this code word means that there is a pediatric emergency and/or obstetrical emergency.
Image source: gov.bc.ca
#27
The Wedding Cake.
Used by London taxi drivers to describe the Queen Victoria Memorial.
#28
Chicken Lights.
A code name used by truckers to describe additional, after-market lights on a rig or a trailer.
#29
Flight level.
Pilots use this followed by a number to indicate how high is the plane.
#30
Air Pocket.
A term used in flights to describe air turbulence.
#31
Deadhead.
This code applies to the cabin crew and pilots who are travelling to another destination to be repositioned but are not commuting.
#32
Bandit.
During World War 2, Royal Air Force pilots used this code name for identified enemy aircraft.
#33
Buster.
During World War 2, Royal Air Force pilots used this radio-telephony code name meaning “maximum throttle” or full power climb.
#34
Scramble.
Used by Royal Air Force pilots in World War 2 to describe fast take-off and climb to intercept enemy aircraft.
#35
Bird.
NATO brevity code, describing a friendly surface-to-air missile (SAM).
Image source: irp.fas.org
#36
Bruiser.
NATO brevity code describing a friendly air-launched anti-ship missile (AShM).
Image source: irp.fas.org
#37
Bugout.
NATO brevity code which means separation from a particular operation with no intent to re-engage.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#38
Feeler.
NATO brevity code name for a fire control radar.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#39
FENCE.
NATO brevity code meaning to set cockpit switches as needed prior entering or exiting the combat area.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#40
Goblin.
NATO brevity code name for an enemy diesel electric powered submarine.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#41
Echo, Echo, Echo.
It alerts the crew to get into position in case there is a possible collision with another ship or the shore, if the ship is starting to drift, and on some ships, if there is danger of high winds.
Image source: chicagotribune.com
#42
Alpha Alpha Alpha.
It’s a code word for a medical emergency aboard Royal Caribbean ships.
Image source: chicagotribune.com
#43
Alpha Team, Alpha Team, Alpha Team.
A code word for a fire emergency on Carnival Cruise Ships.
#44
Operation Brightstar.
On Carnival and Disney Cruise Line vessels, it’s used to designate a medical emergency.
#45
Kilo, Kilo, Kilo.
It’s a general signal on Royal Caribbean ships alerting the crew to report to emergency stations.
Image source: chicagotribune.com
#46
Mr. Mob.
This code word means that a person is overboard.
Image source: odu.edu
#47
Purell, Purell, Purell.
Followed by a location, indicates that some place is in need of a clean up.
#48
Red Parties, Red Parties, Red Parties.
Used by Disney Cruise Line over PA system to alert the crew of a fire or a possible fire.
#49
Zulu, Zulu, Zulu.
Code word for when there is a fight aboard most cruise lines.
#50
Code Black Alpha.
In hospitals and other buildings covered by Australian Standard 4083, it means that there is a missing or abducted infant or child.
Image source: saiglobal.com
#51
Code Brown.
In hospitals and other buildings covered by Australian Standard 4083, Code Brown means there is an extreme emergency, like a disaster, mass causalities, etc.
Image source: saiglobal.com
#52
Code CBR.
In hospitals and other buildings covered by Australian Standard 4083, this code word means that there is a chemical, biological or radiological contamination.
Image source: saiglobal.com
#53
Core Purple.
In hospitals and other buildings covered by Australian Standard 4083, Code Purple means that there is a bomb threat.
Image source: saiglobal.com
#54
Code Orange.
In hospitals and other buildings covered by Australian Standard 4083, this code word calls for evacuation.
Image source: saiglobal.com
#55
Code Red.
In hospitals and other buildings covered by Australian Standard 4083, Code Red means that there’s fire.
Image source: saiglobal.com
#56
Code Black.
In hospitals under Alberta Health Services, Code Black means there is a bomb threat/suspicious package.
Image source: athabascau.ca
#57
Code Green.
In hospitals under Alberta Health Services, this code word means evacuation.
Image source: athabascau.ca
#58
Code Grey.
In hospitals under British Columbia Ministry of Health, this code word means that there is a system failure.
Image source: gov.bc.ca
#59
Code 77.
In hospitals under British Columbia Ministry of Health, Code 77 alerts of a stroke.
Image source: gov.bc.ca
#60
Code Aqua.
In hospitals under Ontario Hospital Association, this code word means flood.
Image source: nygh.on.ca
#61
2222.
In UK hospitals, dialing 2222 from any internal phone will alert staff about a cardiac arrest or peri-arrest.
#62
External triage.
In Hospitals in US, this code word used to alert about external disaster impacting the building, like mass casualties, severe weather, power outages, nuclear, biological and chemical incidents.
Image source: hasc.org
#63
Rapid Response Team.
Code word used in US hospitals for when there is a medical team needed at patient’s bedside, when the medical condition is rapidly declining.
Image source: hasc.org
#64
Code Clear.
Code call used in Washington hospitals when an emergency is over.
Image source: wsha.org
#65
Mr. Sands.
May be used by nightclub and bar employees to indicate that there is fire or smoke.
#66
The Dead Zoo.
London taxi drivers use it to describe the Natural History Museum.
#67
The Rat Run.
The rank at Waterloo, as described by London taxi drivers.
#68
The Scent Box.
Rank at King’s Cross Station named by London taxi drivers.
#69
10-4 Roger.
Used by truckers, it means “yes”.
#70
Bear.
Truck drivers use this code name for a police officer.
#71
Chicken Coop.
A weigh station, called so by truck drivers.
#72
Comic Book.
A driver’s log journal, called so by truckers.
#73
Evil Knevil.
A code name used by truck drivers to describe a police officer on a motorcycle.
#74
“Stay Loaded.”
Used by truckers to wish other trucks good luck.
#75
“Kojak with a Kodak at the… yard stick.”
Truckers use this to warn other truck drivers of police operating a radar at a particular mile marker.
#76
“Keep the rubber side down and the bugs off your glass.”
when parting ways with other truckers, truck drivers wish luck this way, wishing to not flip over and to keep the windshield clean.
#77
“Bear bait going past the 52.”
Truckers describe a car going at an excessive speed in this way.
#78
Angels.
During World War 2, Royal Air Force pilots used this code to describe height in thousands of feet.
#79
Circus.
During World War 2, Royal Air Force pilots used this code word for the daytime bomber attacks with fighter escorts against short range targets.
#80
Diver.
During World War 2, Royal Air Force pilots used this radio-telephony code word for a sighted V-1 flying bomb.
#81
Flower.
During World War 2, Royal Air Force pilots used this code word to describe counter air patrols in the enemy area airfields, to prevent enemy aircraft from lifting off and attacking those who succeeded.
#82
Jim Crow.
During World War 2, Royal Air Force pilots described coastal patrols to intercept unfriendly aircraft crossing the British coastline as “JIm Crow”.
#83
Mandolin.
Used by Royal Air Force pilots in World War 2 to describe attacks on enemy railway transport and other ground targets.
#84
Ramrod.
Used by Royal Air Force pilots in World War 2 to describe short range bomber attacks on ground.
#85
Rhubarb.
Used by Royal Air Force pilots in World War 2 to describe fighter sections, low cloud and poor visibility, crossing the English Channel.
#86
Alpha Check.
A brevity code requesting or confirming of bearing and range to described point.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#87
Ashcan.
Brevity NATO code for Airborne Early Warning (AEW) depth charge.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#88
“As fragged.”
Brevity NATO code for meaning that the unit or element will be performing exactly as ordered by the air tasking order (ATO).
Image source: irp.fas.org
#89
Autocat.
NATO brevity code meaning any communications relay using automatic retransmissions.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#90
Bead Window.
NATO brevity code word meaning the last transmission that potentially disclosed unauthorized information.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#91
Bird negat.
NATO brevity code words indicating that the unit is unable to engage a specified target with surface-to-air missiles (SAM).
Image source: irp.fas.org
#92
Bogey dope.
NATO brevity code requesting for target information as briefed or available.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#93
“BRAA”.
NATO brevity code word, which is a tactical control format, providing target bearing, range, altitude and aspect, relative to the friendly aircraft or bullseye.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#94
Buddy lock.
NATO brevity code meaning a lock to a known friendly aircraft, normally a response to a spike or buddy spike and accompanied with position, heading or altitude.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#95
Burn glint.
NATO brevity code asking for illumination.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#96
Buster.
A NATO brevity call to fly at maximum continuous speed.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#97
Chattermark.
NATO brevity code calling to begin using briefed radio procedures to counter communications jamming.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#98
Christmas tree.
NATO brevity code word for turning on all the exterior lighting.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#99
Cobra.
NATO brevity code meaning a ASW torpedo in gyro angle snake search (GASS) mode.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#100
Confetti.
NATO brevity code word for a chaff lane or a corridor.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#101
Datum.
NATO brevity code word for the last known position of a submarine after contact was lost.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#102
Dolly.
NATO brevity code name for a Tactical Digital Information Link.
Image source: fas.org
#103
Duck.
NATO brevity code a tactical air-launched decoy (TALD).
Image source: irp.fas.org
#104
Echo.
NATO brevity code for a positive SEESAW or electronic warfare system.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#105
Feet wet/dry.
NATO brevity code for when flying over water/land.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#106
Glowworm.
NATO brevity code name for a flare-dropping aircraft.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#107
Mr. Skylight.
Paged over the PA system, it alerts the crew that there is a minor emergency somewhere.
#108
Code Black J.
In hospitals and other buildings covered by Australian Standard 4083, this code means that there is a self-harm case.
Image source: saiglobal.com
#109
Code Blue.
In hospitals and other buildings covered by Australian Standard 4083, it means that there is a medical emergency.
Image source: saiglobal.com
#110
Code Yellow.
In hospitals and other buildings covered by Australian Standard 4083, it means that there is an internal emergency.
Image source: saiglobal.com
#111
Code Grey.
In hospitals under Alberta Health Services, Code Grey means there is shelter in place/air exclusion.
Image source: athabascau.ca
#112
Code Orange.
In hospitals under Alberta Health Services, it means that there is a mass casualty incident.
Image source: athabascau.ca
#113
Code 99.
In hospitals under British Columbia Ministry of Health, this code word warns of incoming trauma.
Image source: gov.bc.ca
#114
Internal triage.
In hospitals in US, it is used to alert about an internal emergency, like bomb or bomb threat, computer network down, major plumbing problems and power or telephone outages.
Image source: hasc.org
#115
Mr. Johnson is in theater number three.
It may be used by movie theater employees to alert about a fire or a smoke in that theater.
#116
The Tripe Factory.
Used by London taxi drivers when referring to the Broadcasting House.
#117
Den of Thieves or Fagin’s Kitchen.
London taxi drivers use these code names for the London Stock Exchange.
#118
American Workhouse.
Used by London taxi drivers to describe the Park Lane Hotel.
#119
Kangaroo Valley.
London taxi drivers use this code name for Earl’s Court.
#120
Magic CIrcle.
Used by London taxi drivers to describe the area around Piccadilly.
#121
The Kremlin.
Used by London taxi drivers to describe the cab shelter by Albert Bridge.
#122
The Raft.
Rank above the Victoria Station as described by the London taxi drivers.
#123
The Rathole.
This code name is used by London taxi drivers to describe the rank at Embankment Station.
#124
The Resistance.
Code name given by London taxi drivers to Harley Street.
#125
The Spit and Cough.
London taxi drivers use this code name for the Athenaeum Club.
#126
The Pipe.
Used by London taxi drivers to describe the Blackwall Tunnel.
#127
Back Door.
Truckers use this to describe someone who is behind another trucker’s truck, like a police officer.
#128
Clean Shot.
Truckers use this to let other truck drivers know, that there are no police officers on the road ahead.
#129
Four-Wheeler.
Truck drivers use this to describe regular, four-wheeled cars and other vehicles.
#130
Weight Cop.
Code name used by truckers to warn about the Department of Transportation.
#131
“Wipin’ Her Feet.”
Used by truckers to describe when the truck is slipping or sliding.
#132
“Westbound, you’re good to bring it on back to the Granny lane.”
Means a trucker in front can pull back to the slow lane in front of another trucker.
#133
“Going to the barn yard.”
Truckers describe the trucking company’s yard this way.
#134
Old Double Nickel.
Truckers call the Highway 55 this way.
#135
“Doors to arrival and crosscheck.”
Said by the senior flight attendant, it means that the plane is approaching the gate.
#136
Ground Stop.
This code word describes the moment when the destinations are reduced by the air traffic control.
#137
Bogey.
During World War 2, Royal Air Force pilots used this code word for unidentified and possibly unfriendly aircraft.
#138
Channel Stop.
During World War 2, Royal Air Force pilots called this the air operations intended to stop the enemy ship passing through the Strait of Dover.
#139
Instep.
During World War 2, Royal Air Force pilots used this code word to describe missions to restrict attacks on Coastal Command aircraft by routinely maintaining a presence over Western Approaches.
#140
Intruder.
During World War 2, Royal Air Force pilots used code word “Intruder” to describe offensive patrols to destroy enemy aircraft over friendly territory.
#141
Kipper.
Used by Royal Air Force pilots in World War 2 to describe patrols to protect fishing boats in the North Sea.
#142
Mahmoud.
Used by Royal Air Force pilots in World War 2 to describe sorties flown by de Havilland Mosquitos with rear-facing radar.
#143
Noball.
Used by Royal Air Force pilots in World War 2 to describe attacks on V-Weapons launch sites.
#144
Ranger.
Used by Royal Air Force pilots in World War 2 to describe freelance flights over enemy territory.
#145
Roadstead.
Used by Royal Air Force pilots in World War 2 to describe dive bombing and low-level attacks on enemy ships at sea or at a harbor.
#146
Rodeo.
Used by Royal Air Force pilots in World War 2 to describe fighter sweeps over enemy controlled area.
#147
Rover.
Used by Royal Air Force pilots in World War 2 to describe armed reconnaissance flights.
#148
Tally-ho.
This radio-telephony code word was used by Royal Air Force pilots in World War 2, which means “enemy in sight”.
#149
Anyface.
Brevity code for Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#150
Arizona.
Brevity NATO code meaning that there is no anti-radiation (ARM) ordnance left.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#151
Ball.
NATO brevity code meaning the aircraft carrier optical landing system.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#152
Bassett.
NATO brevity code word meaning a rocket-thrown ASW torpedo.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#153
“Bloomer”.
NATO brevity code meaning “disregard my last transmission”.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#154
Buddy spike.
NATO brevity code meaning a friendly aircraft air-to-air indication on radar warning receiver (RWR).
Image source: irp.fas.org
#155
Bulldog.
NATO brevity code meaning a friendly surface or submarine-launched AShM.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#156
Candygram.
NATO brevity informative call to an aircraft, informing that the electronic warfare (EW) targeting information is available on a briefed secure net.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#157
GERTSUB.
NATO brevity code for when there is a visual sighting of a submarine.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#158
Champagne.
A NATO brevity code for a type of attack, where there are three distinct groups with two in front and one behind.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#159
Cloak.
NATO brevity informative or directive call to switch from normal exterior lights to covert night vision device (NVD) only lighting.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#160
Cowboys.
NATO brevity code word for ships of an ASW Search and Attack Unit (SAU).
Image source: irp.fas.org
#161
Deadstick.
NATO brevity call meaning that there is no propulsive power due to the loss of one or multiple engines.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#162
De-louse.
NATO brevity code for a directive to detect and identify an unknown aircraft trailing a friendly aircraft.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#163
Dogbox.
NATO brevity code word for an area within which units may interfere with or be in danger of ASW torpedoes.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#164
Dustbin.
NATO brevity code name for a nuclear ASW depth charge.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#165
Echelon.
NATO brevity code for a formation with a wingman placed around 45 degrees behind leader’s 3/9 (o’clock) line.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#166
Fish.
NATO brevity code meaning that there is an incoming torpedo.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#167
Furball.
NATO brevity code name for a turning fight involving multiple aircraft.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#168
Gingerbread.
NATO brevity code for a directive to establish or maintain a tighter brevity over voice communication.
Image source: irp.fas.org
#169
Code Black Beta.
In hospitals and other buildings covered by Australian Standard 4083, it means that there is an active shooter.
Image source: saiglobal.com
#170
Code Amber:
In hospitals under British Columbia Ministry of Health, Code Amber means that there is a missing or abducted child.
Image source: gov.bc.ca
#171
Chicken Truck.
Truckers use this code name to describe a heavily modified truck, with a lot of additional lights and accessories.
#172
Diesel Bear.
A code name used by truckers to describe a Department of Transportation officer.
#173
All-call.
Whole crew on the plane must report at this instant.
#174
Last minute paperwork.
It means the flight crew is waiting for the maintenance staff to finish everything in the flight’s log book.
#175
EFC Time.
The point at which the flight crew can expect to be set free from a holding pattern or from a ground stop.
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