Top 25 Slang For Confidential – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to keeping things under wraps, having the right slang can be key. Confidential conversations require a special language all their own, and we’ve got you covered. Join us as we unveil a collection of the most intriguing and exclusive slang terms used in the world of secrecy. Get ready to level up your vocab and dive into the mysterious world of confidential communication.

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1. Hush-hush

This term refers to something that is kept confidential or hidden from public knowledge. It implies that the information should not be shared or discussed openly.

For example, “The details of the new project are hush-hush for now.”
In a conversation about a surprise party, someone might say, “Let’s keep it hush-hush so the birthday person doesn’t find out.”
A journalist might write, “The government is keeping the negotiations hush-hush, raising concerns about transparency.”

2. Top secret

This phrase indicates information that is of the highest level of secrecy and should only be accessed by authorized personnel. It is often used in official or military contexts.

For instance, “The contents of the briefcase are top secret and must not be shared.”
In a spy movie, a character might say, “This mission is top secret. Only a select few know the details.”
A government document might be labeled “top secret” to indicate its sensitive nature.

3. Classified

This term describes information that is officially designated as confidential and restricted from public access. It is commonly used in government or military contexts.

For example, “The document is classified and can only be accessed by authorized personnel.”
In a news article, it might be mentioned, “The classified information leaked to the press, causing a major scandal.”
A government official might say, “We need to protect classified information to ensure national security.”

4. Eyes only

This phrase indicates that a particular document or information is intended for a specific person’s eyes and should not be shared with others. It emphasizes the need for confidentiality.

For instance, “This report is marked ‘eyes only’ for the CEO.”
In a spy thriller, a character might receive a message that says, “For your eyes only, read immediately.”
A confidential email might have the subject line, “Eyes only – Important update.”

5. Between you and me

This phrase suggests that the information being discussed should be kept confidential and not shared with others. It implies a level of trust between the speaker and the listener.

For example, “Between you and me, I heard that they’re getting married.”
In a conversation about a coworker, someone might say, “Just between you and me, I think they’re planning to quit.”
A friend might whisper, “I’ll tell you something, but it’s between you and me, okay?”

6. On the down low

This phrase is used to describe something that is being kept a secret or done in a discreet manner.

For example, “We need to keep this project on the down low until it’s ready to be announced.”
A person might say, “I saw them together on the down low, they don’t want anyone to know.”
In a conversation about sensitive information, someone might say, “We should discuss this on the down low, just to be safe.”

7. Behind closed doors

This phrase refers to something that happens in private or away from public view.

For instance, “The negotiations took place behind closed doors to ensure confidentiality.”
A person might say, “They made the decision behind closed doors, without consulting others.”
In a discussion about personal matters, someone might say, “What happens behind closed doors should stay behind closed doors.”

8. Need to know basis

This phrase indicates that information is only shared with those who have a specific need or reason to know.

For example, “The details of the operation are on a need to know basis.”
A person might say, “I can’t share that information with you, it’s on a need to know basis.”
In a conversation about classified documents, someone might say, “Access to those files is strictly on a need to know basis.”

9. Under wraps

This phrase means that something is being kept hidden or concealed from public knowledge.

For instance, “The new product is still under wraps, we don’t want to reveal it yet.”
A person might say, “I can’t tell you what happened, it’s still under wraps.”
In a discussion about a surprise party, someone might say, “We need to keep the plans under wraps until the big day.”

10. Strictly confidential

This phrase indicates that information is to be kept confidential and not shared with others.

For example, “The contents of this document are strictly confidential.”
A person might say, “I trust you to keep this information strictly confidential.”
In a conversation about sensitive matters, someone might say, “This conversation is strictly confidential, please don’t share it with anyone.”

11. Behind the curtain

This phrase refers to something that is hidden or kept confidential. It suggests that there is more to a situation than what is visible or known to the public.

For example, a politician might say, “There’s a lot happening behind the curtain that the public isn’t aware of.”
In a discussion about a company’s decision-making process, someone might comment, “The real decisions are made behind the curtain.”
A journalist might write, “The investigation revealed what was happening behind the curtain of the powerful organization.”

12. In the loop

This slang phrase means to be well-informed or included in a group or situation that is typically kept confidential or exclusive.

For instance, a manager might say, “I’ll keep you in the loop about any updates on the project.”
In a conversation about a secret event, someone might ask, “Are you in the loop about the surprise party for Sarah?”
A friend might say, “I’ll make sure to keep you in the loop if anything interesting happens.”

13. Behind the veil

This phrase suggests that something is concealed or kept confidential, similar to how a veil covers or hides a person’s face.

For example, a journalist might write, “The truth behind the scandal was hidden behind the veil of secrecy.”
In a discussion about a mysterious organization, someone might comment, “What really happens behind the veil of their operations?”
A person might say, “I’ve discovered what lies behind the veil of their perfect facade.”

14. In the know

This slang phrase means to have inside information or knowledge about something that is typically kept confidential or not widely known.

For instance, a friend might say, “I’ll let you in on a secret. I’m in the know about the upcoming surprise party.”
In a conversation about a new product launch, someone might ask, “Do you know anyone who’s in the know about the details?”
A journalist might write, “Sources say that only a select few are truly in the know about the company’s plans.”

15. Behind the mask

This phrase suggests that someone is concealing their true identity or intentions, similar to how a mask hides a person’s face.

For example, a detective might say, “We need to uncover the truth behind the mask of the suspect.”
In a discussion about a public figure, someone might comment, “What lies behind the mask of their public persona?”
A friend might say, “I’ve seen the person behind the mask, and it’s not what you expect.”

16. In the shadows

This phrase is used to describe something that is done in secret or behind the scenes.

For example, “They were conducting their business in the shadows, away from prying eyes.”
In a discussion about covert operations, someone might say, “These activities are often carried out in the shadows to maintain secrecy.”
A detective might say, “We need to uncover what’s happening in the shadows to solve this case.”

17. Insider

An insider refers to someone who has access to confidential or privileged information within a particular organization or group.

For instance, “He’s an insider in the fashion industry and knows all the latest trends.”
In a discussion about stock trading, someone might say, “Insiders often have an advantage when it comes to making investment decisions.”
A journalist might write, “An insider leaked classified documents revealing government secrets.”

18. Covert

Covert refers to something that is hidden, concealed, or kept secret.

For example, “The covert operation was carried out without the knowledge of the public.”
In a discussion about espionage, someone might say, “Covert agents operate undercover to gather intelligence.”
A spy novel might describe a character as “a master of covert operations.”

19. In strict confidence

This phrase is used to indicate that something should be kept confidential and not shared with others.

For instance, “I’m telling you this in strict confidence, so please don’t share it with anyone else.”
In a professional setting, someone might say, “Please treat this information with the utmost discretion and in strict confidence.”
A lawyer might advise their client, “You can trust me to handle your case in strict confidence.”

20. Sub rosa

Sub rosa is a Latin phrase that means “under the rose.” It is used to describe something that is done in secret or privately.

For example, “They met sub rosa to discuss their plans without anyone else knowing.”
In a discussion about confidential meetings, someone might say, “Certain discussions are held sub rosa to protect sensitive information.”
A historian might explain, “During the Renaissance, secret societies often operated sub rosa to avoid persecution.”

21. Behind locked doors

This phrase suggests that information or activities are being kept hidden or restricted to a select few individuals. It implies a high level of confidentiality and discretion.

For example, “The meeting will take place behind locked doors to ensure the utmost privacy.”
In a spy thriller, a character might say, “The classified documents are kept behind locked doors.”
A journalist might write, “The scandalous affair was conducted behind locked doors, away from prying eyes.”

22. Between ourselves

This phrase indicates that information is meant to be kept strictly confidential and not shared with others. It suggests a sense of trust and secrecy between the individuals involved.

For instance, “What I’m about to tell you stays between ourselves, okay?”
In a conversation between close friends, one might say, “I have something important to share, but it’s between ourselves.”
A coworker might whisper, “I heard some juicy gossip, but it’s strictly between ourselves.”

23. Lips sealed

This phrase is used to indicate that someone is committed to keeping a secret and will not disclose any confidential information. It implies a sense of loyalty and discretion.

For example, “I can’t tell you what happened, my lips are sealed.”
In a detective story, a character might say, “I won’t reveal the killer’s identity, my lips are sealed.”
A friend might say, “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. My lips are sealed.”

24. On the QT

This phrase is used to describe something that is done or kept secretively, without attracting attention or notice. It implies a need for confidentiality and discretion.

For instance, “They’re dating on the QT, so please don’t mention it to anyone.”
In a heist movie, a character might say, “We need to acquire the diamond on the QT.”
A colleague might whisper, “I heard some interesting news, but keep it on the QT for now.”

25. In the confidence

This phrase suggests that someone has been entrusted with confidential information and is expected to keep it private. It implies a sense of responsibility and trustworthiness.

For example, “I shared my deepest secret with her, and she’s in the confidence.”
In a business negotiation, one might say, “I can offer you this deal, but it must remain in the confidence.”
A mentor might advise, “What I’m about to tell you is in the confidence. Please handle it with care.”