Chofetz Chaim defines Avak Lashon Hara as a statement which can be understood in a way that it would be lashon hara.
I think this explains the Gemara which famously says that
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No matter what you say, somebody, somewhere is going to be insulted.
Just be considerate of people who have reasonable sensitivities based on their personal situation, and don’t worry about the people who take umbrage at the use of any term which could conceptually be viewed as offensive.