Words / C2

in-yoo-END-oh/ˌɪnjuˈendəʊ/

An innuendo is an indirect hint, usually unpleasant, sexual, or damaging: a campaign of innuendo, sexual innuendo. Hint and implication are everyday; insinuate (this batch) is the verb for slipping the hint in. Implicit (already in the dictionary) vs explicit (already in the dictionary) is the wider pair: innuendo stays implicit on purpose. Do not minute innuendo in place of a named fact.

Meaning

An indirect remark that suggests something unpleasant, often sexual or damaging.

Examples

• “Innuendo in the minutes is not a finding; name the date.”
• “A hint can be innocent. Insinuate is the verb (this batch). Implicit is unspoken (already in C1); explicit is spelled out (already in B2). If you mean a charge, write it and own it. A smirk in the corridor is not evidence.”

Good to know

An oblique, often nasty, hint. Everyday: hint. Verb cousin: insinuate. Pair: implicit vs explicit. Minutes need a named fact, not a wink.

Near in meaning

hint

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