5 ChatGPT codes most people don't know (plus 95 more)
From Adam
Hey, it's Adam. Five short codes, typed before your prompt, that change how ChatGPT answers: one makes it sound human, one makes it explain like you're 10, one makes it think harder, one stops it agreeing with you, and one gives you three versions at once. Here are the five I showed, the exact prompts I used, and the trick that makes them work every time. Then the full list of 100.
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how they work
How they work 🧠
These aren't hidden ChatGPT features. Nothing gets unlocked when you type a slash. ChatGPT reads language, and a short code is a fast way to tell it what you want.
That matters, because some codes are so common ChatGPT already knows them (ELI5, TL;DR), and some it has to guess (X10THINK, KILLCRITIC). Two ways to make sure it gets them right:
1. Paste the code with its meaning the first time:
Example — code with meaning
KILLCRITIC — stop agreeing with me and give me the blunt critique.Why do some online businesses grow faster than others?
2. Teach it once, then use the code alone. Go to Settings → Personalization → Custom instructions (or a Project's instructions) and paste:
Custom instructions — paste this once
When I start a message with one of these codes, follow it:/human = rewrite so it sounds like a real person wrote it, not a robotEL10 = explain like I'm 10: simple words, everyday examples, no jargonX10THINK = think it through carefully before answering; consider several angles, check your logic, then give the answerKILLCRITIC = don't agree with me by default; find the weak points, push back, and tell me what's actually trueALT3 = give me three genuinely different versions of the answer
After that, typing the code before your prompt is all you need.
the 5 codes i showed
The 5 codes I showed 🎬
/human
/human — sounds like a person, not a robot
Rewrites the answer in natural language: varied sentences, no filler, no "In today's fast-paced world".
/human — the prompt I used
/humanDevelop a comprehensive personal financial plan for a 35-year-oldSingapore resident earning $135,000 per year (before tax), with$32,000 in savings, $20,000 in education loan debt, and $8,000 incredit card debt carrying a 20.49% interest rate.
Read it out loud. If it sounds like a brochure, add "Write it like you're explaining it to a friend over coffee."
EL10
EL10 — explains anything like you're 10
Simple words, everyday examples, no jargon. It's a step up from ELI5: still easy, with a bit more substance.
EL10 — the prompt I used
EL10What is Machine Learning?
Could a 10-year-old repeat the main idea back to you? If not, reply "Simpler, with one example from everyday life."
X10THINK
X10THINK — makes it think harder before answering
Pushes ChatGPT to consider several angles and check its own logic before it answers, instead of going with the first idea.
X10THINK — the prompt I used
X10THINKWhat impact does AI have on productivity, innovation, and theoverall quality of life in modern society?
The answer should weigh trade-offs, not just list benefits. Even better: pair it with Thinking or a higher effort level in the model picker. The code asks it to think, and the setting gives it the room to.
KILLCRITIC
KILLCRITIC — stops it agreeing with everything
ChatGPT's default is to be agreeable. This code tells it to find the weak points, push back, and say what's actually true.
KILLCRITIC — the prompt I used
KILLCRITICWhy Do Some Online Businesses Grow Faster Than Others?
It should challenge at least one common belief. It works best on your idea: "KILLCRITIC — here's my plan: [plan]."
ALT3
ALT3 — three different versions at once
Three genuinely different answers to compare, instead of one you have to keep asking it to redo.
ALT3 — the prompt I used
ALT3What Pages Should a Business Website Include to Attract Customers?
The three versions should differ in approach, not just wording. If they're too similar, reply "Make the three versions take completely different angles."
the full list
The full list: 100 shortcuts 🗂
The five above are in here too. Type the code, add your text or topic, and send. Codes stack: two or three in one message combine.
✍️ writing & tone
✍️ Writing & tone
01/humanRewrite so it sounds like a person, not a robot.
02/rewriteSay it differently, same meaning.
03/tightenCut every word that isn't earning its place.
04/expandAdd detail, depth and supporting points.
05/plainPlain language a 12-year-old could follow.
06/formalProfessional, polished tone.
07/casualRelaxed, conversational tone.
08/punchyShort sentences, strong verbs, more energy.
09/warmFriendlier and more human, without getting soft.
10/proofreadFix grammar, spelling and clarity. Keep my voice.
💡 explain it to me
💡 Explain it to me
11/eli5Explain it like I'm 5.
12EL10Explain it like I'm 10: simple words, everyday examples.
13/expertExplain it the way an expert would to a peer.
14/analogyExplain it by comparing it to something familiar.
15/whyFocus on the reason behind it, not just the what.
16/firstprinciplesBreak it down to the basic truths and rebuild.
17X10THINKThink it through carefully before answering. Show your reasoning.
18/examplesAdd 3 concrete examples.
19/jargonDefine every technical term you used.
20/mentalmodelGive me one simple model to think about this with.
📋 format it
📋 Format it
21/tldrThe shortest useful summary, 3 lines max.
22/bulletsTurn it into bullet points.
23/tablePut it in a table so I can compare.
24/checklistTurn it into a checklist I can tick off.
25/stepsNumber it as a step-by-step process.
26/outlineA structured outline with headings.
27/keypointsOnly the most important takeaways.
28/onepagerA one-page summary someone busy could read.
29/faqRewrite it as questions and answers.
30/timelinePut it in chronological order.
🎓 learn & study
🎓 Learn & study
31/quizmeQuiz me one question at a time; wait for my answer.
32/flashcardsTurn this into flashcard Q&A pairs.
33/feynmanExplain it as simply as possible, then find the gaps.
34/socraticTeach me by asking questions, not telling.
35/teachmeTurn this into a short lesson with a recap.
36/misconceptionsThe common misunderstandings about this.
37/studyplanA day-by-day study plan to learn this.
38/explainbackI'll explain it to you; grade me and fix my mistakes.
39/mockexamA practice exam with an answer key at the end.
40/recall5 recall questions to check I remember it tomorrow.
🚀 ideas
🚀 Ideas
41/ideas1010 ideas on this topic.
42ALT33 genuinely different alternatives.
43/hooks1010 opening hooks for this content.
44/scamperUse the SCAMPER method to generate ideas.
45/remixCombine two ideas into a new one.
46/wildThe unconventional options I wouldn't think of.
47/angles5 different angles to approach this from.
48/names10 name ideas, with a reason for each.
49/titles10 title options, from safe to bold.
50/worstideaThe worst ideas first, then flip them into good ones.