Innuendo is indirect reference to something rude or unpleasant.
The report was based on rumours, speculation, and innuendo.
...magazines which are full of sexual innuendo.
Synonyms: insinuation, suggestion, hint, implication More Synonyms of innuendo
innuendo in British English
(ˌɪnjʊˈɛndəʊ)
nounWord forms: plural-dos or -does
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(in an action for defamation)
a.
an explanation of the construction put upon words alleged to be defamatory where the defamatory meaning is not apparent
b.
the words thus explained
Word origin
C17: from Latin, literally: by hinting, from innuendum, gerund of innuere to convey by a nod, from in-2 + nuere to nod
innuendo in American English
(ˌɪnjuˈɛndoʊ)
nounWord forms: pluralˌinnuˈendoes or ˌinnuˈendos
1. Law
explanatory material set forth in the complaint in an action for libel or slander which explains the expressions alleged to be libelous or slanderous
2.
an indirect remark, gesture, or reference, usually implying something derogatory; insinuation
Word origin
L, by nodding to, abl. of ger. of innuere, to nod to, hint < in-, in + -nuere, to nod < IE base *neu-, to jerk, beckon, nod > Sans návatē, (he) turns, L numen, a nod
Examples of 'innuendo' in a sentence
innuendo
Or for those who knew him to allow rumour and innuendo to spread?
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
No longer was it just rumour and innuendo.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
His book is full of disgusting lies, innuendo and smears.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
But all we need to know is that yesterday he rose head and shoulders above the speculation and innuendo like the true leader he is.
The Sun (2010)
But is not right and proper that superficial armchair judgments are now being arrived at based on leaks, gossip and innuendo.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
There's been rumour, innuendo and opinion.
The Sun (2014)
Because of our success, there has been rumour and innuendo about what we're supposed to be doing.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
With one, her reputation for chastity and probity was at its height, while the other was embroiled in rumour and vicious innuendo.
Jane Dunn ELIZABETH AND MARY: Cousins, Rivals, Queens (2003)
No one can now doubt the urgent need to have hard, fact-based evidence to replace the rumour and innuendo so far being pushed.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
In other languages
innuendo
British English: innuendo NOUN
Innuendo is indirect reference to something rude or unpleasant.
The report was based on rumours, speculation, and innuendo.
American English: innuendo
Brazilian Portuguese: insinuação
Chinese: 影射
European Spanish: indirecta
French: insinuations
German: versteckte Andeutung
Italian: insinuazione
Japanese: 当てこすり
Korean: 빈정대는 말
European Portuguese: insinuação
Latin American Spanish: indirecta
Chinese translation of 'innuendo'
innuendo
(ɪnjuˈɛndəu)
Word forms:plinnuendoesinnuendos
n(c/u)
影射 (yǐngshè) (种(種), zhǒng)
sexual innuendo性暗示 (xìng ànshì)
(noun)
Definition
an indirect or subtle reference to something rude or unpleasant
The report was based on rumours and innuendo.
Synonyms
insinuation
It isn't right to bring a person down by rumour and insinuation.
suggestion
There is absolutely no suggestion of any mainstream political party involvement.
hint
I'd dropped a hint about having an exhibition of his work.
implication
The implication was obvious: vote for us or you'll be sorry.
whisper (informal)
I've heard a whisper that he is planning to resign.
overtone
a powerful story, with religious overtones
intimation
I did not have any intimation that he was going to resign.
imputation
They avoided the imputation of criminal negligence.
aspersion
Additional synonyms
in the sense of hint
Definition
a suggestion given in an indirect or subtle manner
I'd dropped a hint about having an exhibition of his work.
Synonyms
clue,
mention,
suggestion,
implication,
indication,
reminder,
tip-off,
pointer,
allusion,
innuendo,
inkling,
intimation,
insinuation,
word to the wise
in the sense of implication
Definition
an act or instance of suggesting, implying, or being implied
The implication was obvious: vote for us or you'll be sorry.
Synonyms
suggestion,
hint,
inference,
meaning,
conclusion,
significance,
presumption,
overtone,
innuendo,
intimation,
insinuation,
signification
in the sense of imputation
They avoided the imputation of criminal negligence.