innuendo

[in-yoo-en-doh]

noun

plural

innuendos, innuendoes 

1. an indirect intimation about a person or thing, especially of a disparaging or a derogatory nature.

   Synonyms: imputation, insinuation

2. Law.

   1. a parenthetic explanation or specification in a pleading.

   2. (in an action for slander or libel) the explanation and elucidation of the words alleged to be defamatory.

   3. the word or expression thus explained.

innuendo

/ ˌɪnjʊˈɛndəʊ /

noun

1. an indirect or subtle reference, esp one made maliciously or indicating criticism or disapproval; insinuation

2. law (in pleading) a word introducing an explanatory phrase, usually in parenthesis

3. law

   1. an explanation of the construction put upon words alleged to be defamatory where the defamatory meaning is not apparent

   2. the words thus explained

Word History and Origins

Origin of innuendo¹

First recorded in 1555–65; from Latin: “a hint,” literally, “by signaling,” ablative of innuendum, gerund of innuere “to signal,” equivalent to in- in- ² + nuere “to nod”

Word History and Origins

Origin of innuendo¹

C17: from Latin, literally: by hinting, from innuendum, gerund of innuere to convey by a nod, from _in- ² + nuere to nod

Example Sentences

An Alibaba Group spokesperson told AFP "the assertions and innuendos in the article are completely false".

Read more on Barron's

He used innuendoes to refer to money, on one occasion messaging Gill: "I've received all promised Xmas gifts and requested five more postcards for your kind help next week during the debate."

Read more on BBC

What’s more, he vows to reopen an investigation into the death of Laius, the former leader who died 34 years ago under circumstances that have allowed rumor and innuendo to fester.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Each screening was laced with her signature cocktail of camp, innuendo and gothic glamour; that plunging neckline and sky-high beehive as much a part of the show as the B movies themselves.

Read more on Salon

“This is very close to middle-schoolers’ previous favorite number, 69,” Sean Rainville, a math YouTuber, says of the figure charged with innuendo that once had no rival in the number arena.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• insinuation