Kids and Codes

 Kids and codes go together like peanut butter and jelly. Or bacon and eggs. Or Easter eggs and hunting. While a sandwich, or food in general, have nothing to do with hiding things, Easter can bring to mind something not seen immediately. Looking for Easter Eggs in movies is a great past time. What's the best way to hide information someone else when you're a kid? Codes. Ciphers. Encryption. While the semantics separate them out a bit, generally they mean the same thing.

Twins have been known to create their own language, a code in and of itself. Friends can share a look that says everything. Which written codes draw kids to it? One of the most common is straight substitution -- the easiest is "A" equals "1" and write a note with numbers that, upon getting confiscated, means nothing. Another quick substitution has the numbers going up or down one. The message can become nearly indecipherable when using a polyalphabetic cipher!

Substituting shapes or designs for letters is another simple one, but all parties involved in the message have to be on board as to what constitutes a square, because while all rectangles are squares, not all squares are rectangles! One side slightly too long could completely change the meaning!

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