innuendo

Meanings

1. A derogatory hint or reference to, or (often sexual) insinuation about, a person or thing.
2. A remark that is suggestive of something sexual without stating it explicitly.
3. A rhetorical device with an omitted but obvious conclusion, made to increase the force of an argument.
4. Part of a pleading in cases of libel and slander, pointing out what and who was meant by the libellous matter or description.

1. To interpret (something libellous or slanderous) in terms of what was implied.

Etymology

From the Latin innuendō (“by nodding”), ablative singular form of innuendum (“a nodding”), gerund of innuō (“to give a nod”).