twenty two of them · 1 min read · 23 aug 2026

list of words Claude Code uses while it thinks, and what I assume they mean

Coalescing

The bits are finally sticking to each other. Nothing to show yet.

Reading everything at once and retaining about a third of it.

Nothing visible is happening. Allegedly on purpose.

Thinking, but wearing a collar.

Chewing the same thought for the fourth time.

Enormous effort, no output. Relatable.

Playing. Will be called research in the summary.

The idea is fine, it just has to sit.

Gone deep into the codebase. May not come back the same.

Low heat, long think, no lid.

Even it does not know where this came from.

Guessing, but with confidence and a stick.

Several things are loose and it is trying to get them into one pen.

Solving it in a way it would rather you did not look at too closely.

Genuinely stuck, but politely.

Turning it over slowly, like a decision you already made.

Something is coming. No indication of what.

Too many files, all going in different directions.

Turning one shape of the problem into another and hoping that helps.

The plan exists. It is not out yet.

One tiny bit has set and the rest is about to crystallise around it.

Following a clue through six files with a magnifying glass it does not have.