code switch

1 of 2

verb

variants or less commonly code-switch

ˈkōd-ˌswich 

code switched also code-switched; code switching also code-switching; code switches also code-switches

intransitive verb

: to change one's speech, behavior, etc. to suit different social or cultural contexts

I would code switch between my two cultural identities, compartmentalizing my Koreanness and only letting it out during specific times and places where I felt no fear of judgment.

—Justine Lee

Very often, people code-switch—both consciously and unconsciously—to act or talk more like those around them.

—Matt Thompson

specifically, linguistics : to switch from the linguistic system of one language or dialect to that of another (as for different social or cultural contexts)

… the imperative to be multilingual, to code switch and adapt, has affected the family for generations—whether the language one must quickly learn (or learn to hide) is Italian, Yiddish, Hebrew or Latvian …

—Leah Hager Cohen

I'm someone who code-switches … between African American Vernacular English and standard English …

—Imani Perry, quoted at audible.com

code switch

2 of 2

noun

plural code switches

1

linguistics : an act or instance of switching from the linguistic system of one language or dialect to that of another (as for different social or cultural contexts)

2

chiefly British, sports : an act or instance of switching between sports that are typically closely related (such as different types of football)

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1964, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1964, in the meaning defined at sense 1