Top 23 Slang For Secrets – Meaning & Usage

Curious about the latest slang for secrets? Whether you’re a gossip guru or just love keeping up with the latest lingo, we’ve got you covered. From the cryptic to the clandestine, our team has compiled a list of the top slang for secrets that will have you in the know and ready to spill the tea with confidence. Get ready to uncover the hidden language of secrets and stay ahead of the curve with our exclusive list!

Click above to generate some slangs

1. Skeleton in the closet

This phrase refers to a shameful or embarrassing secret that someone wants to keep hidden. It implies that the secret is so damaging that it is metaphorically locked away in a closet.

For example, “She has a skeleton in the closet that could ruin her career if it ever came out.”
In a conversation about family secrets, someone might say, “Every family has a skeleton in the closet.”
When discussing a scandal, a person might ask, “What other skeletons in the closet are waiting to be revealed?”

2. Under wraps

This slang phrase means that something is being kept hidden or confidential. It suggests that the information is being tightly wrapped up like a package.

For instance, “The details of the new product launch are under wraps until the official announcement.”
When discussing a surprise party, someone might say, “We need to keep the party plans under wraps so it’s a surprise.”
A journalist might write, “The celebrity’s new relationship has been kept under wraps for months.”

3. Hush-hush

This term is used to describe something that is meant to be kept secret or confidential. It implies that the information should be hushed or kept quiet.

For example, “The company is working on a hush-hush project that hasn’t been announced yet.”
When discussing a private event, someone might say, “It’s a hush-hush party, invitation only.”
A person might ask, “Can you keep a secret? This is hush-hush information.”

4. Behind closed doors

This phrase suggests that something is happening in private or away from public scrutiny. It implies that the secret is being kept behind closed doors.

For instance, “The negotiations are happening behind closed doors, so we don’t know the details yet.”
When discussing a scandal, someone might say, “What happens behind closed doors often surprises people.”
A journalist might write, “The decision was made behind closed doors, without any public input.”

5. Classified information

This term refers to information that is officially designated as classified and restricted from public knowledge. It implies that the information is highly confidential and only accessible to authorized individuals.

For example, “The government has classified information about national security that is not released to the public.”
When discussing sensitive documents, someone might say, “Those files are classified information and can’t be accessed without clearance.”
A person might ask, “Do you have any knowledge of classified information that could be relevant to the investigation?”

6. Off the record

This phrase is used to indicate that the information being shared is not to be attributed to the source. It implies that the information is being shared in confidence and should not be publicly disclosed.

For example, a journalist might say, “Can we go off the record for a moment?”
In a conversation about a sensitive topic, someone might add, “Off the record, I heard that there will be layoffs next month.”
A politician might say, “This information is off the record, but we are considering a tax increase.”

7. Between you and me

This phrase is used to emphasize that the information being shared should be kept confidential and not shared with others.

For instance, someone might say, “Between you and me, I think they’re planning a surprise party for her.”
In a discussion about a coworker, someone might add, “Just between you and me, I heard she’s leaving the company.”
A friend might confide, “I have a secret to tell you. Promise to keep it between you and me?”

8. Keep it on the down low

This phrase is used to tell someone to keep information or a situation confidential and not to share it with others.

For example, if someone shares personal information, you might say, “Keep it on the down low, but I’m dating someone new.”
In a discussion about a surprise party, someone might add, “We need to keep it on the down low so it doesn’t ruin the surprise.”
A friend might say, “I’ll tell you something, but you have to promise to keep it on the down low.”

9. Eyes only

This phrase is used to indicate that the information is intended for a specific person or group and should not be shared with anyone else.

For instance, a document might be labeled “Eyes Only” to indicate that only certain individuals are allowed to read it.
In a discussion about classified information, someone might say, “This file is classified as Eyes Only.”
A boss might say, “I’m sharing this information with you, but it’s Eyes Only. Don’t discuss it with anyone else.”

10. Top secret

This phrase is used to indicate that the information is of the highest level of secrecy and should only be accessed by authorized individuals.

For example, government documents might be labeled “Top Secret” to indicate that they contain highly sensitive information.
In a conversation about confidential projects, someone might say, “This information is Top Secret. Only those with clearance can access it.”
A spy movie might feature a character saying, “I have Top Secret information that could change everything.”

11. Behind the veil

This phrase refers to something that is kept hidden or concealed from others. It implies that there is a barrier or curtain that prevents others from seeing or knowing the truth.

For example, “They kept their true intentions behind the veil of friendship.”
In a discussion about a mysterious event, someone might say, “The truth behind the veil has yet to be revealed.”
A person might describe a secretive organization as “operating behind the veil of secrecy.”

12. In the shadows

This phrase suggests that someone or something is operating in a secretive or discreet manner, away from the public eye or general knowledge.

For instance, “The real power players are often in the shadows, pulling the strings behind the scenes.”
In a conversation about covert operations, someone might mention, “They operate in the shadows to gather intelligence.”
A person might describe a hidden agenda as “working in the shadows to achieve their goals.”

13. Off-limits

This term indicates that something is restricted or forbidden, often in the context of information or access. It implies that there are boundaries or rules in place that prevent others from knowing or experiencing something.

For example, “That topic is off-limits for discussion.”
In a conversation about classified documents, someone might say, “Those files are off-limits to the public.”
A person might describe a secret room as “off-limits to anyone without proper authorization.”

14. Behind the mask

This phrase suggests that someone is hiding their true self or intentions behind a façade or disguise. It implies that there is a hidden aspect or motive that is not readily apparent.

For instance, “He presented himself as a kind and caring person, but behind the mask, he had ulterior motives.”
In a discussion about deception, someone might mention, “People often hide their true intentions behind the mask of friendliness.”
A person might describe a manipulative individual as “operating behind the mask of innocence.”

15. Skeletons in the closet

This phrase refers to hidden or embarrassing secrets from someone’s past. It implies that these secrets are kept hidden away, much like skeletons in a closet.

For example, “She has a lot of skeletons in her closet that she doesn’t want anyone to know about.”
In a conversation about scandals, someone might say, “Many politicians have skeletons in their closets.”
A person might describe a family with a troubled history as “having a lot of skeletons in their closet.”

16. Keep it on the QT

This phrase means to keep something a secret or to not share it with others. “On the QT” is an abbreviation for “quiet.”

For example, a friend might say, “I heard some gossip about Sarah, but let’s keep it on the QT.”
In a work setting, a colleague might ask, “Can you keep this on the QT? I don’t want everyone to know about it.”
A parent might tell their child, “I found out about your surprise party, but I’ll keep it on the QT so it’s still a surprise.”

17. Keep it between us

This phrase means to keep something a secret or to only share it with a select few people. It implies trust and discretion.

For instance, a person might say, “I have some personal news to share, but please keep it between us.”
In a group setting, someone might say, “We need to keep this between us for now. It’s not ready to be shared with everyone.”
A friend might confide in another friend, saying, “I trust you, so please keep this between us.”

18. Keep it between the two of us

This phrase means to keep something confidential and not share it with anyone else. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining privacy between two individuals.

For example, a person might say, “I have a secret, but let’s keep it between the two of us.”
In a conversation between close friends, one might say, “This information is sensitive, so let’s agree to keep it between the two of us.”
A colleague might say to another colleague, “I trust you, so let’s keep this between the two of us.”

19. Keep it between ourselves

This phrase means to keep something confidential and not share it with others. It emphasizes the idea of keeping information within a specific group or circle.

For instance, a group of friends might say, “We have a secret plan. Let’s keep it between ourselves.”
In a team meeting, someone might say, “We’re discussing a sensitive topic. Let’s keep it between ourselves for now.”
A family might agree to keep a certain matter private, saying, “This is a family matter. Let’s keep it between ourselves.”

20. Keep it between you and me

This phrase means to keep something confidential and not share it with others. It emphasizes the trust and confidentiality between two individuals.

For example, a person might say, “I trust you, so let’s keep this between you and me.”
In a conversation between friends, one might say, “I have something to tell you, but keep it between you and me.”
A coworker might confide in another coworker, saying, “I need to share something, but please keep it just between us.”

21. Locked away

This phrase is used to describe something that is being kept secret or hidden from others.

For example, “He has a lot of locked away memories from his childhood.”
In a discussion about classified information, someone might say, “Some secrets are locked away for national security.”
A person sharing a personal secret might say, “I’ve kept this locked away for years, but I need to tell someone.”

22. Need to know basis

This phrase is used to indicate that information is only shared with individuals who have a legitimate reason or requirement to know.

For instance, a manager might say, “This project is confidential and will be shared on a need to know basis.”
In a discussion about classified government operations, someone might say, “Only those on a need to know basis have access to that information.”
A person might explain, “I can’t share all the details, but I’ll give you what you need to know.”

23. On the QT

This phrase is used to describe something that is being kept secret or confidential.

For example, “They’re dating, but it’s on the QT for now.”
In a discussion about a surprise party, someone might say, “Keep it on the QT, we don’t want the guest of honor to find out.”
A person might say, “I heard some on the QT information about the upcoming project, but I can’t share it yet.”