Spy Terminology

Terms commonly used in the spy world:


Agent: somebody with power to act and create an effect

Code: an encrypted message

Cover: a persona created to fit the mission

Dead drop: a location to leave intelligence so the agents don't meet in public

Ears Only: Intel too secret to write down, only passed on orally

Eyes Only: Intel so sensitive it is to be read only, not discussed

Intel: short for intelligence, secret information

Live drop: a location where agents meet to exchange intel

Hot: a mission in progress

Mission: a purpose set in motion by an agent

Operation: tasks that work towards fulfilling the mission

Pink: Code for Woman or Women

Secret: Knowledge that is hidden

Spy: an observer who gathers secret information