The term "social code" refers to the unwritten rules that govern proper behavior in a particular social setting. These codes can vary greatly depending on the group of people involved and the cultural norms of the society they belong to, so there are many different synonyms that can be used to describe them. Some common alternatives include "social norms," "social etiquette," "social rules," "social customs," and "social conventions." Each of these terms has its own nuances, but they all convey the idea that there are certain behaviors that are considered appropriate in a given social context and that failure to follow these rules can lead to social ostracism or other negative consequences.