noun

innuendo

ihn-yoo-EHN-doh

noun

An indirect or hinted remark, often with a sexual or critical meaning, that is not stated outright.

"The comedian relied on innuendo rather than explicit jokes."

"His speech was full of innuendo about his opponent past scandals."

How to Use Innuendo

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA sly hint at something, usually rude or suggestive, without saying it directly.

Common pairings

sexual innuendo full of innuendo thinly veiled innuendo

innuendoed past tense, innuendoes plural, innuendos plural, innuendis plural, innuendos singular

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The comedian relied on _____ rather than explicit jokes.

From Latin innuendo, "by nodding" — literally the gerund of innuere, "to give a nod, hint at."

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