Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

dog-whistle

noun

/ˈdɔɡ ˌwɪs.əl/

Definition

A form of communication that conveys a message to a specific group while remaining inconspicuous to others.

Examples

The politician’s speech included several dog-whistles aimed at his core supporters.
Critics argue that the use of dog-whistles undermines honest communication.
By using dog-whistles, he was able to rally support without alienating the broader electorate.

Meaning

Dog-whistles are often used in political discourse to signal certain ideas, beliefs, or ideologies to a targeted audience without making the message obvious to the general public.