- The definition of an innuendo is a subtle, insulting comment or gesture.
An example of innuendo is telling people that a public official seems to be giving a lot of construction jobs to a contractor from whom he gets a lot of political contributions.
nounpl. innuendoes or innuendos
- Law explanatory material set forth in the complaint in an action for libel or slander which explains the expressions alleged to be libelous or slanderous
- an indirect remark, gesture, or reference, usually implying something derogatory; insinuation
Origin of innuendoClassical Latin by nodding to, ablative of gerund, gerundive of innuere, to nod to, hint ; from in-, in + -nuere, to nod ; from Indo-European base an unverified form neu-, to jerk, beckon, nod from source Sanskrit návatē, (he) turns, Classical Latin numen, a nod
- An indirect or subtle, usually derogatory implication in expression; an insinuation.
- Law A plaintiff's allegation explicating the defamatory meaning of the publication or utterance in a libel suit.
Origin of innuendoFrom Latin innuendō, by hinting, ablative of innuendum, gerund of innuere, to nod to : in-, to, toward; see in–2 + -nuere, to nod.
(plural innuendoes or innuendos or innuendis)
From the Latin innuendō (“by nodding”), ablative singular form of innuendum (“a nodding”), gerund of innuō (“I give a nod”).
innuendo - Legal Definition
- An indirect or suggestive remark, usually a disparagement of someone.
- A section in a libel pleading explaining the plaintiff’s construction of the defendant’s allegedly libelous utterances.