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Dog whistle
01
a coded message intended to be understood by a particular group while remaining unnoticed or ambiguous to others
What is the origin of the idiom "dog whistle" and when to use it?
The term "dog whistle" originally referred to a whistle used in dog training, emitting a sound only audible to dogs. Over time, it evolved to describe messages with hidden meanings. Just as only dogs can hear certain frequencies, only certain people can understand the hidden message. It is often used in discussions about politics, media, advertising, and social issues, where messages may contain subtle cues or references intended to appeal to a particular audience without explicitly stating the message.
Example
The speechwriter included dog whistles to signal his stance on controversial issues.
The politician's speech contained several dog whistles aimed at his supporters.
The company's marketing campaign included dog whistles to target a niche market.
The company's CEO employed dog whistles in his annual address to shareholders, subtly indicating future strategic moves.
The candidate's speech contained several dog whistles aimed at his conservative base, subtly signaling his stance on immigration reform without directly addressing the issue.
