Spy Terminology

noun a false or fictitious identity

adverb used to indicate that a named person is also known or more familiar under another specified name

• The suspect used an alias to avoid being identified by the authorities.
• I heard that John goes by the alias 'Big J' at the gym.
• Yo, have you met my friend who goes by the alias 'Slick Rick'?
• In the world of espionage, having an alias is crucial for maintaining anonymity.

noun a secret or disguised way of writing; a code

verb to put (a message) into secret writing; encode

• The intelligence agency used a complex cipher to encrypt classified information.
• I can't figure out this cipher puzzle, it's too hard!
• Yo, pass me the cipher so I can decode this message.
• His emotions were like a cipher, impossible to decipher.

noun a shelter or hiding place

adjective not openly acknowledged or displayed

• The covert operation was meticulously planned and executed by the intelligence agency.
• I heard they're doing some covert stuff over at the old warehouse.
• Let's keep this covert operation on the down low, okay?
• Her smile was like a covert signal that only he could understand.

adjective characterized by stealth; surreptitious; secretive

• The detective noticed the suspect's furtive movements as he tried to hide something in his pocket.
• I saw your furtive glances at the party last night, what were you up to?
• She gave me a furtive wink before slipping out of the room.
• The furtive whispers of the forest creatures added to the mysterious atmosphere of the night.

noun a signal or gesture indicating that something is to happen or is expected to happen

• The boss gave me a high sign to start the meeting.
• I'll give you a high sign when it's time to leave the party.
• She flashed me a high sign to let me know the coast was clear.
• His sudden departure was a high sign that something was wrong.

noun a person's true identity that is concealed or hidden

adverb in a disguised or concealed state

• The celebrity traveled incognito to avoid being recognized by fans.
• I'm going to go incognito at the party so I can observe everyone without them knowing.
• Let's go incognito and sneak into the concert without paying.
• She wore sunglasses and a hat, going incognito as she tried to hide her emotions from others.

noun the act of secretly entering or joining a group or organization, especially in order to acquire information or cause damage

• The infiltration of the enemy's base was meticulously planned and executed by the special forces.
• We heard rumors of an infiltration at the party last night, but no one knows for sure.
• The hackers managed to pull off a sick infiltration of the company's database.
• The subtle infiltration of her thoughts by doubt began to erode her confidence.

noun a secret or underhanded scheme; a plot

verb to arouse the curiosity or interest of; to fascinate

• The intricate plot of the novel managed to intrigue even the most discerning readers.
• I can't wait to find out what happens next in the story, it's really intriguing.
• That movie had so many twists and turns, it really had me intrigued.
• Her mysterious smile always managed to intrigue those around her.

noun a unit of measurement used in chemistry to express amounts of a substance

• The scientist studied the behavior of the mole in its natural habitat.
• I saw a mole digging in my garden this morning.
• That guy is a real mole, always snooping around and listening to other people's conversations.
• The mole of corruption within the organization was finally exposed and removed.

noun a word used to identify a word used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things

adjective a word that describes or gives more information about a noun or pronoun

• The twins communicated with each other in their secret language, using a code only they understood.
• Me and my best friend have our own secret language that we use to gossip about people.
• Me and my squad have a secret language that we use to talk about our crushes without anyone knowing.
• Music can be like a secret language that speaks to our emotions in ways words cannot.

noun a character from a popular animated television series

• The secret squirrel mission was classified at the highest level of security.
• I can't tell you about it, it's secret squirrel stuff.
• She's always acting like a secret squirrel, sneaking around and keeping things to herself.
• He's like a secret squirrel, always hiding his true intentions until the last minute.

noun the techniques and skills used in a particular trade or profession

• The spy's success in gathering intelligence was attributed to his impeccable tradecraft.
• She learned the tradecraft of baking from her grandmother.
• The hacker's tradecraft was top-notch, allowing them to breach even the most secure systems.
• Mastering the tradecraft of negotiation is essential for success in business.

noun a colloquial abbreviation for intelligence, referring to information or data gathered for analysis or surveillance

• The company invested in new Intel processors for their computers.
• I heard Intel is coming out with a new chip soon.
• I need to upgrade my rig with some Intel gear.
• Her intel on the situation was crucial for making a decision.