innuendo
Use Innuendo in a sentence
yuˈɛn noun, plural in·nu·en·dos, in·nu·en·does.
1.
an indirect intimation about a person or thing, especially of a disparaging or a derogatory nature.
2.
Law.
a.
a parenthetic explanation or specification in a pleading.
b.
(in an action for slander or libel) the explanation and elucidation of the words alleged to be defamatory.
c.
the word or expression thus explained.
Origin:
1555–65; < Latin: a hint, literally, by signaling, ablative of innuendum, gerund of innuere to signal, equivalent to in- in-2 + nuere to nod
1555–65; < Latin: a hint, literally, by signaling, ablative of innuendum, gerund of innuere to signal, equivalent to in- in-2 + nuere to nod
Synonyms
1. insinuation, imputation.
1. insinuation, imputation.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To innuendo
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World English Dictionary
innuendo (ˌɪnjʊˈɛndəʊ) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n , pl -dos, -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. | in an action for defamation law |
| 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 | |
| [C17: from Latin, literally: by hinting, from innuendum, gerund of innuere to convey by a nod, from | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
00:10
Innuendo
is always a great word to know.
So is bezoar. Does it mean:
| a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison. |
| a printed punctuation mark (‽), available only in some typefaces, designed to combine the question mark (?) and the exclamation point (!), indicating a mixture of query and interjection, as after a rhetorical question. |
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
innuendo
1678, "oblique hint, indiscreet suggestion," usually a depreciatory one, from L. innuendo "by meaning, pointing to," lit. "giving a nod to," abl. of ger. of innuere "to mean, signify," lit. "to nod to," from in- "at" + nuere "to nod." Originally a legal phrase (1564) from M.L., with the sense of "to
wit." It often introduced the derogatory meaning alleged in libel cases, which influenced its broader meaning.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Cite This Source
Example sentences
The improperly elicited gang evidence was culmination of a trial based on fear mongering and innuendo.
There is no point in replying to this kind of innuendo.
Some people have a resistance to innuendo and to rumor, and some people have absolutely no immunity to it.
Instead, to support his allegations of agency impropriety, he has relied on innuendo and insinuation.
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