ill_be_strong -“In the Yiddish Chofetz Chaim (red cover), its page 129 (Hilchas LH, Klal 3). He says (not quoting word for word):
LH is Assur even the words won’t lead to damage (in whichever from), either because a)the listeners didn’t believe b)the listeners “didn’t get who’s being discussed”. In short, the persons identity is not revealed. He then brings down a Rbainu Yona which explains the concept in details.”
I knew you were making a mistake, but I looked it up anyway (to be sure).
What the C.C. says is that you can’t speak about anyone even if no harm will come to that person. Eg. they aren’t Mekabel what you say.
Of course if you don’t mention a name or a group -IT IS NOT L.S. You have misconstrued the C.C.
I learnt C.C. many times over many years. This is what L.H. or Rechilos is -the party being spoken about -either you mentioned their name or e/o can figure out whom it is -if they wanted to!