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

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

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

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

And by acting on his instincts—with Paramount’s backing—he created a clutch of movies still celebrated for their wit, charm, winking innuendo and sophistication.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 18, 2026

Threpe was an inveterate gossipmonger with a knack for tasteless innuendo, and I have always had a gift for a catchy tune.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

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

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

Livid with the way her son had been treated by the MPD, Donna became a gold-mine of tips, hints, innuendoes, rumours, gossip and occasional facts.

From BBC ● May 17, 2013

It is delightful, in fact, to see the gusto with which they anticipate innuendoes, and meet improprieties half way, with all the well-bred composure of the most fashionable audience.

From Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol. 3, No. 15, August, 1851 by Various

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

From Barron's ● Nov. 25, 2025

The writing is punctuated by testy asides and innuendos about Villanueva foes, whom the report accuses of everything from extramarital affairs to ethical violations to new crimes.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2024

Mr Cohen wrote to Hicks that the story was "lots of innuendos with little facts".

From BBC ● May 3, 2024

Yes, there were some fiery ads that were fine, but there were so many others that were full of lies, distortions, innuendos and threats.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 18, 2022

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

Related Words

• insinuation