I. ˌinyəˈwen(ˌ)dō adverb
Etymology: Latin, by hinting, abl. of innuendum, gerund of innuere to hint, intimate, from in- in- (II) + nuere to nod — more at numen
: in other words : namely — formerly used in legal documents to introduce matter explanatory of the text
II. noun
also inuendo “
( plural innuendos or innuendoes )
1. : veiled, oblique, or covert allusion to something not directly named : hint , insinuation
glossy fantasy, stylishness, naughty innuendo — Time
a talk punctuated with innuendos on both sides — J.T.Farrell
especially : veiled or equivocal allusion reflecting upon the character, ability, or other trait of the person referred to
try to undermine him by innuendo — Kiplinger Washington Letter
how difficult it is to set up a proper defense against innuendo — M.S.Watson
anonymous accusations, rumors, innuendos — Nathan Schachner
2. : a parenthetical explanation of the text of a legal document ; especially : an interpretation in a pleading of expressions alleged to be injurious or libelous
III. verb
also inuendo “
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: innuendo (II)
intransitive verb
: to make innuendo
transitive verb
: to give effect to by innuendo