This paper deals with the basic structure and the specific functions of secrecy and (negatively perceived) distinctiveness of the secret language Kibalele, used by people operating in the underworld or living on the periphery of society in the multilingual town of Bukavu (Zaïre), in which negotiation of status, authority and control is accomplished via the use of over forty indigenous languages and three lingua francas (Swahili, French, Indoubil).