innuendo: [17] An innuendo was originally a hint given with a ‘nod’ or a wink. The word is a derivative of Latin innuere ‘signal to by means of a nod’, a compound verb formed from in- ‘towards’ and nuere ‘nod’. The ablative case of its gerund, innuendō ‘by nodding’, was used in medieval legal documents as the equivalent of ‘that is to say, i.e’. In particular, it introduced the derogatory meaning claimed by the plaintiff in a libel case to be contained in or implied by a statement, and this formed the basis for its metaphorical transference to any ‘oblique derogatory implication’.
innuendo (n.)
1670s, "oblique hint, indiscreet suggestion," usually a deprecatory one, from Latin innuendo "by meaning, pointing to," literally "giving a nod to," ablative of gerund of innuere "to mean, signify," literally "to nod to," from in- "at" + nuere "to nod" (see numinous). Originally a legal phrase (1560s) from Medieval Latin, with the sense of "to wit." It often introduced the derogatory meaning alleged in libel cases, which influenced its broader meaning. As a verb, from 1706.
实用例句
1. The report was based on rumours, speculation, and innuendo.
这份报告建立在谣言、臆断和含沙射影的基础之上。
来自辞典例句
2. The dialogue was all filth and innuendo.
这段对话全是下流的言辞和影射。
来自辞典例句
3. Mark told by innuendo that the opposing team would lose the game.
马克暗讽地说敌队会在比赛中输掉.
来自辞典例句
4. Madge Wildfire was not so absolutely void of common sense as not to understand this innuendo.
玛吉·野火的常识不会欠缺到领会不了这个暗示.
来自辞典例句
5. Yan Jing Ke suspected Prince an excuse to delay repeatedly urged innuendo.
