innuendo

American  

[in-yoo-en-doh] / ˌɪn yuˈɛn doʊ /

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.

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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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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”

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

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

Hannah said she has respected the Kennedy family’s privacy and, like Schlossberg, condemned “self-serving sensationalists trading in gossip, innuendo and speculation.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 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

In 2011, when he was a business minister, Sir Ed said Andrew was doing an "excellent job" as trade envoy and dismissed concerns around him at the time as "innuendo".

From BBC • Feb. 24, 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

Related Words

• insinuation