innuendo

American  

[in-yoo-en-doh] / ˌɪn juˈɛn doʊ /

noun

• innuendos,
  plural
• innuendoes
  plural

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.

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innuendo British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• innuendoes
  plural
• innuendos
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of innuendo

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”

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Explanation

Speaking in innuendo is when you say something indirectly — often of a hurtful or sexual nature. Innuendo in Latin means "to point to" or "nod to." When you refer to something indirectly, you point at it without mentioning it, making an innuendo. If your friend who recently stopped speaking to you glares at you across a room as she says to someone else, "I would never lie to someone I called a friend," she's making an innuendo. Without accusing you directly, she's saying she thinks you lied.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

innuendo innuendoes innuendos

Strategists figured it better to get out front of the chatter and address the online innuendo, even if it meant exposing the allegations to a much wider audience.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 10, 2026

Cipriani, a self-professed fixer, whistleblower and professional gambler who had been spreading innuendo about Shell on social media, according to court filings in a continuing legal dispute between the men.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 20, 2026

Owens’ story is backed by innuendo, exaggerations, outright falsehoods, and, in several instances, messages delivered through Owens’ own dreams.

From Slate ● Feb. 27, 2026

It added that even if some viewers inferred innuendo, it did not contain explicit content or objectifying imagery.

From BBC ● Feb. 18, 2026

The probable cause showing could be based on nothing more than hearsay, innuendo, or even the paid, self-serving testimony of someone with interests clearly adverse to the property owner.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

Madariaga had concluded Columbus was a Jew, said Morison, “by fashioning a significant pattern of hypothesis and innuendoes unsupported by anything so vulgar as fact.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 2, 2026

His dismissed the prosecution’s case as nothing more than “theories, hypotheses, innuendoes, assumptions, gut feelings, hairs on the back of your neck.”

From Seattle Times ● May 16, 2024

The episode was awarded four stars by the Independent's Michael Hogan, who said was served up with "its innuendoes and irresistible sense of fun, and new host Alison Hammond's influence is already clear".

From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2023

On Elara, Adani has said "innuendoes" that the firm was in any manner related to the conglomerate founders were incorrect.

From Reuters ● Feb. 10, 2023

On the contrary, people generally are much more liable to exaggerate the significance of their feelings, hence the necessity for healthy suggestions rather than innuendoes of disease.

From Psychotherapy by James J. (James Joseph) Walsh

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

From Barron's ● Nov. 25, 2025

“To address these false accusations, defamatory statements and innuendos I have filed a lawsuit against both DEF CON Communications and Jeff Moss.”

From The Verge ● Aug. 18, 2022

Kirkwood, a talented British playwright who came into prominence with her 2013 play “Chimerica,” supplies hints and innuendos where other writers would provide straightforward exposition.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 8, 2021

But, he said, “I categorically deny making derogatory or hostile statements, innuendos about loyalty or marginalized comments about others.”

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 27, 2021

Because I knew my feelings for him were vulnerable to being felled by my mother’s suspicions, passing remarks, and innuendos.

From "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan

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Related Words

• insinuation

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