[Ads-l] "-coded" in NY Times Magazine

[Nancy Friedman]

Following up on a February thread, here's an On Language column by Dan
Brooks:

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/16/magazine/coded-secret-messages-language.html?unlocked_article_code=1.d1A.22vh.JK-gsCGgwM4G&smid=url-share
(gift link)


>>Elle Fanning in a pink dress
<https://x.com/efanningstyle/status/2036358558451724781?s=20> is
“Barbie-coded.” The movie “Sinners” punishes its characters for various
transgressions in a way that is “Christian-morality-play-coded
<https://x.com/LauraRbnsn/status/2033252351373373945?s=20>.” BuzzBallz, the
ready-to-drink cocktails in spherical containers, are “U.K.-coded
<https://x.com/latesleeper_/status/2042325663760171090?s=20>,” even though
they were invented in the United States. The construction turns a variety
of verb phrases — looks like, feels like, reminds me of — into one
adjective, but it also posits a connection too loose to be binding, in that
pleasingly irresponsible way that characterizes so much online
communication.<<


Nancy Friedman
Chief Wordworker
web: wordworking.com <http://www.wordworking.com>
substack https://fritinancy.substack.com/
Medium <https://medium.com/@wordworking>

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