innuendo

noun

in·nu·en·do ˌin-yə-ˈwen-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce innuendo (audio)

-yü-ˈen-

plural innuendos or innuendoes

: an oblique allusion : hint, insinuation

especially : a veiled or equivocal reflection on character or reputation

: the use of such allusions

resorting to innuendo

: a parenthetical explanation introduced into the text of a legal document

Did you know?

The word innuere in classical Latin meant “to nod, beckon, or make a sign to” a person, and in medieval Latin more generally “to hint” or “to insinuate.” One form of the gerund of this verb was innuendo, which meant “by hinting.” In medieval legal documents innuendo introduced inserted remarks, meaning “to wit” or “that is to say,” and the word was adopted with the same function into English legal usage. By the late 17th century innuendo was used to refer to the insertion itself and more broadly to any indirect suggestion. Later, the notion of the derogatory possibilities of such remarks came to predominate.

Example Sentences

His reputation has been damaged by innuendos about his drinking and gambling. His reputation has been damaged by innuendo. The movie relies on sexual innuendo for its humor.

Recent Examples on the Web Vienna dismisses the Kid and welcomes Johnny back in a sequence that drips with a combustible blend of innuendo, derision, contempt, and depth of mutual understanding.

Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2022 In the jewelry annals, lockets have the most fascinating history, full of juicy tales, innuendo, and even death.

Jill Newman, Town & Country, 19 Aug. 2022 Rather than a slow build of romantic tension, innuendo punctures every scene.

Holly Thomas, CNN, 19 July 2022 Even live, Berens (largely) eschewed expletives and explicit topics (beyond some PG-13-level innuendo), and his playful ribbing wouldn't offend anybody.

Piet Levy, Journal Sentinel, 11 Aug. 2022 Fields enjoyed his public profile, not shying away from the attention-getting pushback, particularly when a client was the subject of rumor and innuendo.

Ted Johnson, Variety, 8 Aug. 2022 Lubitsch’s reliance on the oblique, the elliptical, and the unsaid leads the audience to suspect innuendo where none may have been intended.

Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2022 The harm of this is that people looking for accurate information will instead be consumed by opinions and innuendo.

Zoe Toperosky, oregonlive, 7 Aug. 2022 Los Angeles Times Riverside council member demands apology over sheriff’s innuendo.

Gale Holland, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2022 See More

单词	innuendo
释义	innuendo noun in·nu·en·do ˌin-yə-ˈwen-(ˌ)dō -yü-ˈen- plural innuendos or innuendoes 1 a : an oblique allusion : hint, insinuation especially : a veiled or equivocal reflection on character or reputation b : the use of such allusions resorting to innuendo 2 : a parenthetical explanation introduced into the text of a legal document Did you know? The word innuere in classical Latin meant “to nod, beckon, or make a sign to” a person, and in medieval Latin more generally “to hint” or “to insinuate.” One form of the gerund of this verb was innuendo, which meant “by hinting.” In medieval legal documents innuendo introduced inserted remarks, meaning “to wit” or “that is to say,” and the word was adopted with the same function into English legal usage. By the late 17th century innuendo was used to refer to the insertion itself and more broadly to any indirect suggestion. Later, the notion of the derogatory possibilities of such remarks came to predominate. Synonyms imputation insinuation See all Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences His reputation has been damaged by innuendos about his drinking and gambling. His reputation has been damaged by innuendo. The movie relies on sexual innuendo for its humor. Recent Examples on the Web Vienna dismisses the Kid and welcomes Johnny back in a sequence that drips with a combustible blend of innuendo, derision, contempt, and depth of mutual understanding. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2022 In the jewelry annals, lockets have the most fascinating history, full of juicy tales, innuendo, and even death. Jill Newman, Town & Country, 19 Aug. 2022 Rather than a slow build of romantic tension, innuendo punctures every scene. Holly Thomas, CNN, 19 July 2022 Even live, Berens (largely) eschewed expletives and explicit topics (beyond some PG-13-level innuendo), and his playful ribbing wouldn't offend anybody. Piet Levy, Journal Sentinel, 11 Aug. 2022 Fields enjoyed his public profile, not shying away from the attention-getting pushback, particularly when a client was the subject of rumor and innuendo. Ted Johnson, Variety, 8 Aug. 2022 Lubitsch’s reliance on the oblique, the elliptical, and the unsaid leads the audience to suspect innuendo where none may have been intended. Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2022 The harm of this is that people looking for accurate information will instead be consumed by opinions and innuendo. Zoe Toperosky, oregonlive, 7 Aug. 2022 Los Angeles Times Riverside council member demands apology over sheriff’s innuendo. Gale Holland, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2022 See More Word History Etymology Latin, by nodding, from innuere to nod to, make a sign to, from in- + nuere to nod; akin to Latin nutare to nod — more at numen First Known Use 1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1a Legal Definition innuendo noun in·nu·en·do ˌi-nyü-ˈwen-dō : a parenthetical explanation of the text of a legal document especially : an explanation in a complaint for defamation of the defamatory meaning of a statement by the defendant which is not defamatory on its face compare inducement innuendo noun as in insinuation a slyly or subtly derogatory remark repeatedly made innuendos regarding his opponent's business dealings but feigned innocence when called upon to substantiate them Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance insinuation imputation slander suggestion libel insult smear slight aspersion slur indignity affront intimation epithet hint inkling dig
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innuendo

noun

Did you know?

Synonyms

Example Sentences

Word History

Legal Definition

noun

noun