twenty of them · 23 aug 2026

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

While it works, Claude Code puts a word on screen. Nobody asked for these. They are never the same twice and some of them are not words. These are my definitions, not theirs.

1. 01

   Coalescing

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

2. 02

   Newspapering

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

3. 03

   Percolating

   Nothing visible is happening. Allegedly on purpose.

4. 04

   Cogitating

   Thinking, but wearing a collar.

5. 05

   Ruminating

   Chewing the same thought for the fourth time.

6. 06

   Churning

   Enormous effort, no output. Relatable.

7. 07

   Noodling

   Playing. Will be called research in the summary.

8. 08

   Marinating

   The idea is fine, it just has to sit.

9. 09

   Spelunking

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

10. 10

    Simmering

    Low heat, long think, no lid.

11. 11

    Conjuring

    Even it does not know where this came from.

12. 12

    Divining

    Guessing, but with confidence and a stick.

13. 13

    Wrangling

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

14. 14

    Finagling

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

15. 15

    Puzzling

    Genuinely stuck, but politely.

16. 16

    Mulling

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

17. 17

    Brewing

    Something is coming. No indication of what.

18. 18

    Herding

    Too many files, all going in different directions.

19. 19

    Transmuting

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

20. 20

    Hatching

    The plan exists. It is not out yet.