innuendo
word
Definition
An indirect remark or hint, usually suggesting something negative or inappropriate without saying it directly.
Usage & Nuances
'Innuendo' is formal and often used when someone implies something sexual, rude, or negative. Common with 'make an innuendo', 'full of innuendo'. Not just any hint; it usually suggests something controversial or inappropriate. Don't confuse with 'hint' (neutral).
Spanish: insinuación - indirecta (maliciosa)Portuguese (BR): insinuação - indireta (maliciosa)Portuguese (PT): insinuação - indireta (maliciosa)Chinese (Simplified): 暗示 - 影射Chinese (Traditional): 暗示 - 影射Hindi: कटाक्ष - छिपा संकेतArabic: تلميح - إيحاءBengali: ইঙ্গিতপূর্ণ মন্তব্য - কটাক্ষRussian: инсинуация - намёк (негативный)Japanese: 当てこすり - ほのめかしVietnamese: lời ám chỉ - lời nói bóng gióKorean: 넌지시 하는 말 - 암시 (부정적)Turkish: ima - üstü kapalı imaUrdu: طنز - اشارہIndonesian: sindiran - kiasan (negatif)
Example Sentences
I didn’t like his innuendo during the meeting.
basic
He made an innuendo about her new job.
basic
The movie was full of innuendo.
basic
That joke was heavy on the innuendo; did you catch it?
natural
People often use innuendo to avoid saying something directly.
natural
Ignore the innuendo—he’s just trying to get attention.
natural