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innuendo

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in⋅nu⋅en⋅do

  [in-yoo-en-doh]
Use innuendo in a Sentence
–noun, plural -dos, -does.
1. an indirect intimation about a person or thing, esp. 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; < L: a hint, lit., by signaling, abl. of innuendum, ger. of innuere to signal, equiv. to in- in- 2 + nuere to nod

Synonyms:
1. insinuation, imputation.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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in·nu·en·do   (ĭn'yōō-ěn'dō)   
n.   pl. in·nu·en·does

  1. An indirect or subtle, usually derogatory implication in expression; an insinuation.

  2. Law

    1. A plaintiff's interpretation in a libel suit of allegedly libelous or slanderous material.

    2. A parenthetic explanation of a word or charge in a legal document.


[From Latin innuendō, by hinting, ablative of innuendum, gerund of innuere, to nod to : in-, to, toward; see in-2 + -nuere, to nod.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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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, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: in·nu·en·do
Pronunciation: "i-nyü-'wen-dO
Function: noun
: 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
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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