An innuendo is a hint or suggestion about a person or thing, often in a negative or rude way. It is a statement or question that indirectly implies something bad, usually without directly saying it. The goal is often to insult or accuse someone, even though the words themselves may not seem harmful. According to the Advanced Oxford Learner's Dictionary, an innuendo is "an indirect remark about someone or something, usually suggesting something bad, mean, or rude." Examples include "innuendos about her private life" or "The song is full of sexual innuendo."

Sexual innuendo

The term sexual innuendo refers to a phrase that has two meanings, one of which may suggest something related to sex. For example, the phrase "We need to go deeper" can mean either asking for more information or imply something about sexual activity. The 1970s song "Afternoon Delight" is known for using sexual innuendo. The songwriter, Bill Danoff, explained that he wanted to create a fun song that suggested sex without being explicit.

Defamation law

In defamation law, an innuendo meaning refers to a hidden message that is not clearly stated in the words used. Instead, people with knowledge of certain topics would understand this meaning based on what they already know.

Film, television, and other media

Comedy films have used innuendo, or hints about adult topics, since the start of sound films. One well-known example is the Carry On film series (1958–1992), where innuendo was a common element, and sometimes the film titles themselves included these hints. British television shows like Are You Being Served? and Round the Horne also used innuendo frequently. Mild sexual innuendo is often found in British pantomime performances.

Many television shows and animated films made for children sometimes use innuendo to amuse older viewers while following their network's rules about what can be shown. For example, the show Rocko's Modern Life used many innuendos, such as naming a fictional fast food restaurant "Chokey Chicken," which indirectly referred to a topic adults might find humorous. More than 20% of the show's audience were adults.

On The Scott Mills Show on BBC Radio 1, listeners send in clips from radio and television that include innuendo in a funny way. This activity is called "Innuendo Bingo." During the game, presenters and guests fill their mouths with water and listen to the clips. The last person to spit out the water while laughing wins the game.