Code words or code phrases are ways of expressing things, usually negative, without actually using negative words.  For example the phrase "He's one of those" is an example.  It doesn't say which "those" the person happens to be, but there is little doubt that the phrase has a negative meaning.  Innuendo is similar because it says something negative without saying it, a manipulative technique that sparks both conflict and poor communication since there is so much room for misunderstanding.  Even a phrase as benign soundings as "Well, you know how Jack is" can be problematic because it implies something unclear, but not so good about Jack.

This is an excerpt from Conflict Prevention In The Workplace.  For more detailed help on workplace conflict, click here.

You can learn more about cooperative communication, by looking at a free preview of the Communicating Cooperatively In The Workplace helpcard.