Innuendo
/ˌɪnjuˈɛndoʊ/
nounC1
Definition
An innuendo is a way to say something in a hidden or indirect way, often to suggest something negative, rude, or secret without saying it openly. People use innuendos to hint at things without directly explaining them, sometimes to be funny or to avoid trouble.
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See It in Action
A hidden or indirect suggestion, often negative or rude
- •He made an innuendo about her work, but didn’t say it clearly.
- •The movie was full of innuendos that only adults understood.
- •She was uncomfortable because of the innuendos in his comments.
A remark that hints at something without saying it openly
- •The politician’s speech included innuendos about his opponent’s honesty.
- •They laughed at the innuendo in the comedian’s story.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "innuendo" like "hint," but a secret or tricky hint that often suggests something bad or rude.
- ✓Picture someone whispering quietly and looking around, trying not to say something directly.
- ✓It's the feeling when someone says something that makes you think of a secret meaning, but they don’t say it out loud.
- ✓Sounds like "in-new-END-oh" → imagine someone ending a sentence quietly with a secret meaning inside.
- ✓In movies or jokes, characters often use innuendos to say naughty things without words.
- ✓NOT like "compliment" (open and positive), innuendo is often hidden and negative or teasing.
- ✓NOT like "direct statement" (clear and open), innuendo is indirect and often unclear.
- ✓NOT like "joke" (always funny), innuendo can be serious or teasing, but always with hidden meaning.
Try Other Words
- •Suggestion: an idea given indirectly (Use when the meaning is softer and less negative)
- •Implication: a meaning suggested but not said directly (Use in formal or serious contexts)
- •Allusion: a reference to something without naming it (Use when referring to literature or art)
- •Double entendre: a phrase with two meanings, one often rude (Use when the innuendo is a play on words)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: from Latin "in-" (in, on) + "nuere" (to nod) → meaning to nod at or hint at something
- •Etymology: came through Italian and Latin, originally meaning a nod or gesture to suggest something
- •Historical development: first used in English in the 17th century to mean a hint or indirect suggestion
- •Modern usage: used mainly for indirect remarks that suggest something bad, rude, or secret, often in speech or writing
Reflect & Connect
•How can using innuendos change the way people communicate in polite or difficult situations?
•Can innuendos be helpful or harmful? When might it be better to speak directly?
Fill in the blanks
1.When someone uses innuendo, they often want to ___ something without saying it clearly.
2.Innuendos usually make people feel ___ because the meaning is not direct or clear.
3.An innuendo is different from a direct statement because it is more ___ and hidden.
4.Comedians sometimes use innuendo to ___ rude or adult ideas without saying them openly.
5.Innuendos often come with words like "___" or "___" to make the meaning less obvious.
6.When you hear an innuendo, you need to ___ the hidden meaning behind the words.
7.Politicians sometimes use innuendo to ___ their opponents without making clear accusations.