Sure.
If someone's planning a covert operation or whatnot, they wouldn't want just anyone knowing what it was. So they'd use a code name for it. That way, if they needed to discuss it with fellow conspirators, they wouldn't have to worry as much about anyone listening in (i.e. enemy spies, muggles, etc.).
Code names can also double as passwords for encrypted files, rendezvous points, and safehouses. That sorta thing.
There are also narrative cases of people finding a codename thinking it's for a person and finding out it's something else. And vice versa. It's not always immediately clear in a work what sort of thing a codename refers to.
Reality is that, which when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. -Philip K. DickI think how a codename is used and what significance it has in a story is far more important than exactly what it applies to.
I don't think expanding it to cover more than characters would change the core meaning of the trope.
Check out my fanfiction!I should've said "broaden", rather then "expand" since the current description is pretty lengthy as it is. Here's what I'm suggesting:
- 1. Simplify and trim back the current description for clarity.
- 2. Mention the trope can apply to more than just characters.
- 3. Do a soft split for examples covering military operations and such.
Basically, I'd revise it so it'd be shorter and more concise, while making the addition to cover non-character examples.
Expanding (not exapanding) the definition never means "make it longer" in this context. It's about expanding what it covers.
I think splitting is an additional, non-essential change, and I'm not necessarily convinced it's a change for the better.
edited 8th Jun '15 6:51:00 PM by AnotherDuck
Check out my fanfiction!I wonder if it's not just best to include it in the first sentence, rather than as an afterthought. That makes it more a coherent trope, rather than a trope with an Obvious Rule Patch.
Probably don't need much, just something like, "In order to hide a Secret Identity, the nature of The Plan or the MacGuffin, or just to make identifying a person or group easier over a static-y radio, a Super Hero, International Spy or even Ace Pilot will have a Code Name." That's still just adding a few things (and can perhaps be done better), but it explains the core of the trope better to begin with.
edited 9th Jun '15 12:00:31 AM by AnotherDuck
Check out my fanfiction!

To clarify, the current description is strictly character specific. However, it neglects to mention the fact that code names aren't just used for people. For example, military operations, secret projects, and the like are also ofttime given code names in works of fiction.
So I'm thinking of expanding the description to cover those instances as well, but I figured it'd be best to get a general consensus first.