innuendo
What does "innuendo" mean?
An innuendo is an indirect hint, suggestion, or remark that often has a disparaging or suggestive implication. It is like a shadow cast by a conversation; the speaker does not state the point directly, but leaves it for the listener to infer, often to avoid accountability or to be coy. It is most frequently used to describe suggestive or risqué remarks, but it can also refer to any insinuation that attacks someone's reputation indirectly. You will often hear it used with verbs like "drop," "resort to," or "full of." It carries a slightly sophisticated or negative weight, as it implies a lack of honesty or a desire to provoke.
"innuendo" in conversation
Office gossip
Did you hear what Mark said about the promotion?
Did you hear what Mark said about the promotion?
Yeah, it was full of innuendo about how he 'spent time' with the boss.
Yeah, it was full of innuendo about how he 'spent time' with the boss.
Used to describe a suggestion of impropriety.
Comedic timing
I think your jokes are getting a bit too suggestive for this channel.
I think your jokes are getting a bit too suggestive for this channel.
It's all innuendo, really! Nothing is actually being said.
It's all innuendo, really! Nothing is actually being said.
Used to defend suggestive humor by claiming it is indirect.
"innuendo" in a sentence
The comedian's act was filled with clever innuendo.
The comedian's act was filled with clever innuendo.
She avoided a direct confrontation, preferring to rely on subtle innuendo to make her point.
She avoided a direct confrontation, preferring to rely on subtle innuendo to make her point.
The report was dismissed by the board as nothing more than a collection of malicious innuendos.
The report was dismissed by the board as nothing more than a collection of malicious innuendos.
