Top 43 Slang For Disguise – Meaning & Usage

Disguises have always been a popular tool for those looking to hide their true identities or blend into a crowd. From undercover agents to mischievous pranksters, the world of slang has its own unique vocabulary for describing these clever cover-ups. Join us as we unveil some of the top slang for disguise that will have you feeling like a master of deception in no time. Get ready to add some new tricks to your linguistic arsenal and step into the world of covert operations with confidence!

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1. Camo

This refers to clothing or materials designed to blend in with the surrounding environment and make the wearer difficult to see. “Camo” is short for camouflage.

For example, “He wore camo pants and a matching jacket while hunting.”
In a military context, a soldier might say, “I need to put on my camo and get ready for patrol.”
Someone discussing fashion might comment, “Camo print is really popular this season.”

2. Mask up

This phrase means to wear a mask, typically to conceal one’s identity or to protect oneself from harm or danger.

For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, health officials advised people to “mask up” to prevent the spread of the virus.
In a protest or demonstration, a participant might say, “Let’s mask up to protect our identities.”
A person preparing for a Halloween party might say, “I’m going to mask up as a superhero.”

3. Undercover

This term refers to someone who is working or acting in disguise or in a covert manner to investigate or gather information. It is often used in the context of law enforcement or espionage.

For example, “The detective went undercover to infiltrate the criminal organization.”
In a spy movie, a character might say, “I’ve been assigned to go undercover and gather intel on the enemy.”
Someone discussing a covert operation might say, “The undercover agent successfully gathered crucial information.”

4. Incognito

This word means to be disguised or operating under a false identity to avoid recognition or attention. It is commonly used in the context of online browsing or social media.

For instance, “He went incognito to avoid being recognized by fans.”
In a discussion about internet privacy, a person might say, “Using a VPN allows you to browse incognito.”
Someone discussing their online presence might say, “I prefer to stay incognito on social media to protect my privacy.”

5. Costume

This term refers to a set of clothing or accessories worn to portray a specific character or role, often for entertainment purposes or during special events like Halloween.

For example, “She wore a pirate costume to the costume party.”
In a theater production, a director might say, “The actors will need to change into their costumes for the next scene.”
Someone discussing cosplay might say, “I’m working on a costume for the upcoming convention.”

6. Guise

This term refers to a false appearance or pretense that someone uses to hide their true identity or intentions. It can also be used to describe a particular style or manner of dress that is meant to deceive or disguise.

For example, a spy might assume the guise of a waiter to gather information.
In a mystery novel, a character might say, “The killer was hiding behind a clever guise.”
A person discussing identity theft might warn, “Be careful of emails that come in the guise of official requests for personal information.”

7. Masquerade

This word describes the act of pretending to be someone or something else, often for the purpose of hiding one’s true identity or motives. It can also refer to a social event or party where attendees wear masks or costumes to conceal their identities.

For instance, a detective might masquerade as a janitor to gather evidence unnoticed.
In a Shakespeare play, a character might say, “We all wear masks and play our parts in life’s masquerade.”
A person discussing online dating might caution, “Be careful of those who masquerade as someone they’re not.”

8. Pretend

To pretend means to behave or act in a way that is not genuine or true. It involves intentionally creating a false impression or playing a role for a specific purpose, such as disguising one’s true intentions or emotions.

For example, a child might pretend to be a superhero and save the day.
In a theater production, actors pretend to be different characters on stage.
A person discussing relationships might advise, “Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not just to impress someone else.”

9. Cloak

This term can be used metaphorically to describe the act of hiding or concealing one’s true intentions or identity. It can also refer to a type of loose outer garment that is worn to cover or hide the body.

For instance, a spy might cloak their true intentions by pretending to work for the enemy.
In a fantasy novel, a character might possess a magical cloak that grants them invisibility.
A person discussing privacy might argue, “We must cloak our personal information to protect ourselves from identity theft.”

10. Veil

A veil is a piece of fabric or material that is used to cover or conceal something, often the face or head. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the act of hiding or obscuring something from view.

For example, a bride might wear a veil to cover her face during a wedding ceremony.
In a mystery novel, a character might say, “The truth was veiled behind a web of lies.”
A person discussing government secrecy might argue, “They use classification to veil their true actions from the public.”

11. Shadow

To shadow someone means to follow them secretly or keep them under surveillance, often without their knowledge.

For example, a detective might say, “I’m going to shadow the suspect and see where he goes.”
In a spy movie, the protagonist might be instructed to “shadow the target and gather information.”
A journalist investigating a story might say, “I’m going to shadow this politician and see what they’re up to.”

12. Shroud

To shroud something means to cover or conceal it, often in a mysterious or secretive manner.

For instance, a magician might say, “I will shroud this object in darkness and make it disappear.”
In a ghost story, a haunted house might be described as “shrouded in mystery and darkness.”
A person trying to hide their true identity might say, “I will shroud myself in disguise and blend into the crowd.”

13. Conceal

To conceal something means to hide it or keep it secret, often to avoid detection or discovery.

For example, a spy might say, “I will conceal the microfilm in a secret compartment.”
A person trying to smuggle contraband might say, “I will conceal the illegal items in my luggage.”
In a game of hide-and-seek, a player might find a good hiding spot and say, “I will conceal myself here and wait for them to find me.”

14. Dissemble

To dissemble means to conceal one’s true motives or feelings, often by pretending or acting in a way that is different from how one truly feels.

For instance, a politician might dissemble during a press conference to avoid revealing their true intentions.
In a Shakespearean play, a character might dissemble their true identity in order to deceive others.
A person in a difficult situation might dissemble their fear or anxiety in order to appear calm and collected.

15. Deceive

To deceive means to mislead or trick someone into believing something that is not true.

For example, a magician might deceive the audience with a clever illusion.
A con artist might deceive their victims into giving them money or personal information.
In a game of poker, a player might deceive their opponents by bluffing and making them believe they have a strong hand.

16. Disguise

This refers to the act of changing one’s appearance or behavior in order to conceal one’s true identity or intentions. It can involve wearing a costume, using makeup, or adopting a different persona.

For example, a spy might disguise themselves as a waiter to infiltrate a high-security event.
In a game of hide-and-seek, a player might say, “I’m going to disguise myself as a tree so no one can find me.”
A person attending a costume party might ask, “What are you going to disguise yourself as?”

17. Camouflage

This refers to the use of colors, patterns, or materials to make oneself or an object blend in with the surrounding environment. It is commonly used in military operations or hunting to remain hidden.

For instance, a soldier might wear camouflage clothing to become less visible in the forest.
A photographer might use camouflage netting to conceal their camera while capturing wildlife.
A person trying to sneak into a concert might say, “I’m going to wear a hat and sunglasses to camouflage myself among the crowd.”

18. Incognita

This refers to the state of being unknown or unrecognized, often in the context of someone operating secretly or without revealing their true identity. It can also refer to a person or thing that is concealed or hidden.

For example, a detective might go incognita to gather evidence without drawing attention.
A person attending a costume party might say, “I’m going incognita as a superhero.”
In a spy novel, the protagonist might assume an incognita identity to carry out a mission.

19. Cover-up

This refers to an action or effort to hide, suppress, or disguise something that is embarrassing, illegal, or unethical. It can involve altering or withholding information to prevent the truth from being revealed.

For instance, a government official might engage in a cover-up to protect their reputation.
A person might say, “The company’s cover-up of the scandal only made things worse.”
In a crime investigation, a detective might uncover a cover-up involving multiple suspects.

20. Impersonate

This refers to the act of imitating or pretending to be someone else, often with the intention of deceiving others. It can involve mimicking their appearance, voice, or mannerisms.

For example, a comedian might impersonate a famous celebrity in a comedy sketch.
A person attending a costume party might say, “I’m going to impersonate a historical figure.”
In a theater production, an actor might impersonate a character from a different time period.

21. Faux

This term refers to something that is not genuine or real. In the context of disguise, “faux” can be used to describe an artificial or deceptive appearance.

For example, someone might say, “She wore a faux mustache to disguise herself at the party.”
In a discussion about counterfeit products, one might mention, “Beware of faux designer handbags.”
A person might comment on a movie scene, “The spy used a faux identity to infiltrate the enemy’s headquarters.”

22. Mask

A mask is a protective covering that conceals or alters a person’s face. In terms of disguise, a mask can be used to hide one’s true identity.

For instance, during Halloween, people often wear masks to disguise themselves as different characters.
In a discussion about masquerade parties, someone might say, “I love the creativity of designing my own mask.”
A spy might use a mask to blend in with a crowd and remain unnoticed.

23. Incog

Short for “incognito,” this term refers to being in disguise or maintaining anonymity. It can be used to describe someone who is intentionally concealing their true identity.

For example, a person might say, “I’m going incog for this mission to gather information without being recognized.”
In a conversation about online privacy, one might mention, “Using incognito mode on your browser can help protect your personal information.”
A person might use the term humorously and say, “I’m going incog to avoid running into my ex at the party.”

24. Blend in

To blend in means to become part of a group or environment without standing out. In terms of disguise, blending in involves adopting the appearance, behavior, or mannerisms of those around you.

For instance, a spy might say, “I need to blend in with the locals to gather information without raising suspicion.”
In a discussion about undercover operations, someone might mention, “Police officers often undergo training to blend in with criminal organizations.”
A person might comment on a costume party, “I love seeing how people blend in with their chosen characters.”

25. Go stealth

To go stealth means to act in a secretive or covert manner. In terms of disguise, going stealth involves avoiding detection or remaining unnoticed.

For example, a person might say, “I need to go stealth to gather information without alerting anyone.”
In a conversation about video games, one might mention, “Using stealth tactics in the game allows you to complete missions without being detected.”
A person might use the term metaphorically and say, “I’m going stealth in my job search to avoid letting my current employer know.”

26. Ghost

To “ghost” someone means to suddenly and completely disappear from their life without any explanation or communication. This term is often used in the context of relationships or friendships.

For example, “He ghosted me after our third date and I never heard from him again.”
A person might say, “I’m going to ghost that party tonight. I don’t feel like going anymore.”
In a discussion about online dating, someone might share, “I’ve been ghosted so many times, it’s frustrating.”

27. Trick out

To “trick out” something means to decorate, customize, or enhance it in a flashy or extravagant way. This term is often used in the context of modifying cars or personal belongings.

For instance, “He tricked out his car with neon lights and a booming sound system.”
A person might say, “I’m going to trick out my laptop with a custom paint job and LED lights.”
In a conversation about fashion, someone might mention, “She always tricks out her outfits with unique accessories.”

28. Cover up

To “cover up” means to hide or conceal something, often with the intention of keeping it a secret or protecting oneself or others from negative consequences.

For example, “He tried to cover up his mistake by blaming someone else.”
A person might say, “I need to cover up this stain on my shirt before the meeting.”
In a discussion about scandals, someone might mention, “The company attempted to cover up the financial fraud for years.”

29. Play possum

To “play possum” means to pretend to be asleep or unconscious in order to deceive or avoid attention or danger. This term comes from the behavior of possums, who feign death or play dead when threatened.

For instance, “When the teacher asked a difficult question, he decided to play possum and avoid answering.”
A person might say, “If a bear approaches you, it’s best to play possum and remain still.”
In a conversation about strategies, someone might suggest, “When playing hide-and-seek, you can play possum to trick your opponents.”

30. Disappear

To “disappear” means to vanish or go missing without leaving any trace or indication of one’s whereabouts. This term is often used in the context of people or objects.

For example, “She disappeared without a trace and her family has been searching for her.”
A person might say, “I’m going to disappear for a while and take a break from social media.”
In a discussion about magic tricks, someone might mention, “The magician made the coin disappear right before our eyes.”

31. Duck out

This phrase refers to leaving a place quickly or quietly, often to avoid being noticed or to escape a situation.

For example, “I need to duck out of this party before anyone sees me.”
In a meeting, someone might say, “I have another appointment, so I’ll duck out early.”
A person might use this phrase to describe their escape from an awkward conversation, saying, “I had to duck out when things got too uncomfortable.”

32. Slip away

To slip away means to leave a place or situation quietly and inconspicuously, without attracting attention.

For instance, “I saw my ex at the party, so I decided to slip away before they noticed me.”
In a crowded event, someone might say, “Let’s slip away from the crowd and find a quieter spot.”
A person might use this phrase to describe their escape from a boring conversation, saying, “I slipped away when they weren’t looking.”

33. Lay low

To lay low means to deliberately avoid attention or to keep a low profile in order to stay hidden or avoid trouble.

For example, “After the incident, I decided to lay low for a while and keep a low profile.”
In a dangerous situation, someone might say, “We need to lay low until things calm down.”
A person might use this phrase to describe their strategy for avoiding detection, saying, “I’m going to lay low and stay off social media for a while.”

34. Fly under the radar

This phrase means to go unnoticed or undetected, often by deliberately avoiding attention or staying under the radar.

For instance, “He managed to fly under the radar and avoid suspicion.”
In a competitive environment, someone might say, “We need to fly under the radar and surprise our competitors.”
A person might use this phrase to describe their strategy for avoiding scrutiny, saying, “I prefer to work quietly and fly under the radar.”

35. Stealth mode

Stealth mode refers to behaving or operating in a secretive or hidden manner, often to avoid detection or to keep one’s intentions or actions concealed.

For example, “He went into stealth mode and carefully observed the situation.”
In a game or competition, someone might say, “I’m going into stealth mode to surprise my opponents.”
A person might use this phrase to describe their approach to a covert operation, saying, “We need to go into stealth mode to complete the mission successfully.”

36. Under wraps

This phrase refers to something that is being kept secret or hidden from others. It implies that the information or object is being concealed or kept under control.

For example, “The new product launch is still under wraps, so we can’t discuss it yet.”
In a conversation about a surprise party, someone might say, “Keep the decorations under wraps until the guest of honor arrives.”
If a company is working on a top-secret project, they might say, “We’re keeping it under wraps until we’re ready to unveil it.”

37. In plain sight

This expression means that something is easily seen or noticed, despite its attempt to blend in or remain unnoticed. It suggests that the object or person is hiding in plain sight.

For instance, “The spy was able to gather information while remaining in plain sight.”
In a discussion about hidden messages in movies, someone might say, “The director cleverly hid clues in plain sight throughout the film.”
If a person is wearing a disguise that is meant to go unnoticed, they might say, “I can walk right past people in plain sight and they won’t recognize me.”

38. Inconspicuous

This term describes something or someone that is not easily noticed or attracts attention. It implies that the object or person is blending in with the surroundings or appearing ordinary.

For example, “The spy dressed in inconspicuous clothing to avoid drawing attention.”
In a conversation about pickpockets, someone might say, “They often work in crowded places, blending in and remaining inconspicuous.”
If a person is trying to avoid being recognized, they might say, “I’m going to dress inconspicuously so that no one notices me.”

39. In disguise

This phrase refers to the act of intentionally changing one’s appearance or behavior to appear as someone or something different. It suggests that the person is assuming a false identity or role.

For instance, “The detective went undercover and posed as a janitor to catch the criminal.”
In a discussion about Halloween costumes, someone might say, “I’m going to dress up as a vampire and go in disguise to the party.”
If a person is trying to avoid being recognized, they might say, “I’ll put on a hat and sunglasses to go in disguise.”

40. In the shadows

This expression means that something or someone is intentionally staying out of the spotlight or avoiding attention. It suggests that the object or person is hiding or lurking in the shadows.

For example, “The mysterious figure watched from the shadows, unseen by others.”
In a conversation about secret meetings, someone might say, “They always meet in the shadows to avoid being detected.”
If a person is trying to remain unnoticed, they might say, “I’ll stay in the shadows and observe without being seen.”

41. Under the radar

To do something discreetly or without drawing attention to oneself.

For example, “He managed to complete the mission under the radar.”
In a conversation about avoiding attention, someone might say, “I prefer to fly under the radar and not draw unnecessary attention.”
A person might describe their low-key approach to a project by saying, “I like to work under the radar and surprise everyone with the final result.”

42. In costume

To dress up or wear a specific outfit for a particular purpose or event.

For instance, “She attended the Halloween party in costume as a witch.”
During a discussion about a themed party, someone might say, “Make sure to come in costume to match the theme.”
A person might describe their elaborate outfit for a cosplay event by saying, “I spent hours creating my costume to accurately portray the character.”

43. In character

To act or behave as a specific character or personality, often for entertainment or performance purposes.

For example, “He stayed in character throughout the entire play.”
During a conversation about acting, someone might say, “It’s important to fully immerse yourself in the character and stay in character at all times.”
A person might describe their experience playing a role in a movie by saying, “I had to stay in character even when the cameras weren’t rolling.”