Innuendo The Word that Is Its Definition
The Best Word in The English Language?
The English Language is one of the most interesting languages of mankind in my opinion, with its many oddities and "flexible" rules. There are many interesting and unique words in the English Language that can be amusing to say the least. One of my personal favourite words is Innuendo, its a word that, in itself, seems harmless and describes a certain flirty side to how one can imply so much with a simple turn of phrase. Innuendo is so much more specific than simple double entendre, which is itself a fun and interesting facet of language. Despite the interesting nature of the word innuendo, those are not the reasons its one of my favourite words, the reason I so love innuendo, is that the word itself is a double entendre, and more specifically an innuendo.
The Definition
The Merriam-Webster defines innuedo as:
Definition of INNUENDO
1
a : an oblique allusion : hint, insinuation; especially : a veiled or equivocal reflection on character or reputation b : the use of such allusions
2
: a parenthetical explanation introduced into the text of a legal document
See innuendo defined for English-language learners
See innuendo defined for kids
Examples of INNUENDO
His reputation has been damaged by innuendos about his drinking and gambling.
His reputation has been damaged by innuendo.
The movie relies on sexual innuendo for its humor.
Origin of INNUENDO
Latin, by nodding, from innuere to nod to, make a sign to, from in- + nuere to nod; akin to Latin nutare to nod - more at numen
First Known Use: 1678
The Innuendo of Innuendos
As I stated before, the beauty of the word innuendo is that it is infact an innuendo in itself, it is a double entendre of a sexual nature. If you doubt me, just think of the pronunciation as In-You-End-Ohhhh! Oh I know, its sophomoric and worthy only of the school yard, but that is exactly my point. Its as if someone went to a school yard to determine the best word to use to describe an innuendo. I find this terribly amusing, almost embarrassingly so since the joke is in such poor taste.
