noun
innuendo
in-yoo-EN-doh/ˌɪnjuˈendəʊ/
An indirect suggestion, usually insulting or sexual.
The colleague's note uses innuendo to suggest nepotism without making a direct accusation.
Etymology
The original image is “nodding toward” something rather than stating it directly. In legal use, the word introduced the derogatory meaning alleged in libel cases, leading to its broader sense of an improper hint.
In context
THIS IS A SECRET INNUENDO BEING LEAKED OUT THERE ABOUT ME, AND I DON'T APPRECIATE IT
More examples
- The movie is full of sexual innuendo.
- She resents the innuendo that she cheated.
- The article offers innuendos instead of evidence.
Forms
innuendo · innuendos · innuendoes
Similar words
- insinuation
- Usually suggests something negative about someone without stating it directly.
- hint
- A broader suggestion that need not be insulting or sexual.