riddle; enigma; cant; code words
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
riddle; enigma; insinuating language
literaryHistorically used in classical Chinese literature and polite conversation to convey sensitive meanings indirectly. Often requires contextual knowledge to decipher.
Ancient people often used insinuating language to express meanings that were inconvenient to state directly.
The Zuo Zhuan records many allusions concerning riddles and hidden meanings.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
This type of insinuating language is like modern riddles, requiring careful consideration to understand.
noun
cant; argot; code words; jargon
Refers to secret vocabulary used by specific groups (criminals, secret societies, underground organizations) to conceal meaning from outsiders. Often carries negative or secretive connotations.
Underground workers used code words to communicate, preventing detection by the enemy.
These gang members have their own cant among themselves, which outsiders simply cannot understand.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
That sentence of his was actually a code word, hinting that the plan had already failed.