What term describes a collective understanding of the hidden meanings within communication?

The term that describes a collective understanding of the hidden meanings within communication is known as metamessage. Metamessages refer to the underlying messages conveyed by the way something is said, including tone, body language, and the context in which communication occurs. This term encapsulates the idea that not all communication is explicit; much of it is inferred by the receiver based on shared cultural and social understandings.

For instance, when someone says, "I'm fine," with a flat tone and crossed arms, the metamessage might indicate that they are not genuinely fine, despite their words. Thus, metamessages play a crucial role in interpersonal communication as they help to decode the nuances and implications beyond the literal words used.

Contextual meaning relates to the surrounding circumstances or conditions that inform the interpretation of a message but does not specifically focus on the layer of hidden meanings. Subtext refers to underlying themes or messages in a particular statement but is less comprehensive than metamessage. Implicit message, while it suggests a message that is understood without being openly expressed, lacks the depth of the term metamessage, which encompasses a broader scope of communication nuances.