A Barthes code: A term or phrase that makes a cultural reference, or refers to a body of knowledge, that may or may not be known to the reader. The body of knowledge may not be fully explained.
"No," he said, and spun, the star leaving his fingers, flash of silver, to bury itself in the face of the wall screen. The screen awoke, random patterns flickering feebly from side to side, as though it were trying to rid itself of something that caused it pain.