dog whistle
US /ˈdɔːɡ ˌwɪs.əl/
UK /ˈdɔːɡ ˌwɪs.əl/
1.
a high-pitched whistle used to call or train dogs, inaudible to the human ear but audible to dogs
:
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He used a dog whistle to get his pet's attention.
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The trainer blew the dog whistle, and the dog immediately sat down.
2.
a coded message or phrase communicated to a specific group of people without being understood by others outside the group
:
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The politician's speech contained several dog whistles aimed at his base.
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The advertisement used a subtle dog whistle to appeal to a specific demographic.