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Itasan Posted 20 years ago
Business & Finance

spy

I think I see '(secret) agent' very frequently. Is it because
'spy' is too direct a word?
Which do you normally use in this meaning:
1. spy
2. agent
3. secret agent
4. operative
5. any other?

Thank you.
  

Top answer

Hi, I think I see '(secret) agent' very frequently. Is it because 'spy' is too direct a word? 'Secret agent' sounds rather old-fashioned to me.

— Clive

  • Hi, I think I see '(secret) agent' very frequently.
  • Is it because 'spy' is too direct a word?
  • 'Secret agent' sounds rather old-fashioned to me.
  • I usually hear and say 'spy', as in 'I read a really good spy novel'.
  • Best wishes, Clive
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5 Answers
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Hi,

I think I see '(secret) agent' very frequently. Is it because 'spy' is too direct a word?

'Secret agent' sounds rather old-fashioned to me. I usually hear and say 'spy', as in 'I read a really good spy novel'.

Best wishes, Clive
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Thank you, Clive, for the valuable information as always.
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Itasan, I just want to make sure it actually SAYS secret agent, and not simply agent - you're not inferring the "secret" part, are you? Because an agent is a VERY different thing than a secret agent.
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OK. Thank you very much, Barb.
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I suppose "spy" is a little pejorative; whereas "secret agent" is neutral.

But as Clive says, it does sound a little old-fashioned; not to mention self-defeating.

MI5 favours various expressive terms; you can find them here , in the recruitment section.

MrP
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