It sounds like you're describing the concept of "dog whistles." Dog whistles are coded language or signals that convey specific messages to a targeted audience while remaining innocuous or ambiguous to the general public. These messages can be used in a variety of contexts — politics, advertising, social movements, etc.
Here are a few examples of how these subtly delivered messages work:
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Political Statements: Politicians might use phrases that resonate with their core supporters but sound neutral to others. For example, using terms like "family values" can invoke a shared ideology among certain voter bases while appearing innocuous to outsiders.
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Marketing and Branding: Brands sometimes employ imagery or slogans that appeal to niche demographics. A fashion brand might use models of a particular lifestyle or ethnicity that speaks to their target market's identity without overtly stating it.
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Cultural References: A social media post might contain inside jokes or references that only a certain community understands, prompting engagement or loyalty from that group while leaving others puzzled.
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Symbolic Language: Certain colors, symbols, or gestures can carry different meanings in different cultures or subgroups, often communicating messages that resonate with those familiar with the context while remaining unnoticed by others.
If you have a specific context in mind, I can provide more tailored examples!