innuendo

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innuendo

n. from Latin innuere, "to nod toward." In law it means "an indirect hint." "Innuendo" is used in lawsuits for defamation (libel or slander), usually to show that the party suing was the person about whom the nasty statements were made or why the comments were defamatory. Example: "the former Mayor is a crook," and Joe Alabaster is the only living ex-Mayor, thus by innuendo Alabaster is the target of the statement; or "Joe Alabaster was paid $100,000 by the Hot Springs Water Company," when it was known that Hot Springs was bucking for a contract with the city. The innuendo is that Alabaster took a bribe. (See: defamation, libel, slander)

innuendo

see DEFAMATION.

Collins Dictionary of Law © W.J. Stewart, 2006

INNUENDO, pleading. An averment which explains the defendant's meaning by reference to antecedent matter. Salk. 513; 1 Ld. Raym. 256; 12 Mod. 139; 1 Saund. 243. The innuendo is mostly used in actions for slander. An innuendo, as, "he the said plaintiff meaning," is only explanatory of some matter expressed; it serves to apply the slander to the precedent matter, but cannot add or enlarge, extend, or change the sense of the previous words, and the matter to which it alludes must always appear from the antecedent parts of the declaration or indictment. 1 Chit. Pl. 383; 3 Caines' Rep. 76; 7 Johns. R. 271; 5 Johns. R. 211; 8 Johns. R. 109; 8 N. H. Rep. 256.
3. It is necessary only when the intent may be mistaken, or when it cannot be collected from the libel or slander itself. Cowp. 679; 5 East, 463.
4. If the innuendo materially enlarge the sense of the words it will vitiate the declaration or indictment. 6 T. R. 691; 5 Binn. 218; 5 Johns. R. 220; 6 Johns. R. 83; 7 Johns. Rep. 271. But when the new matter stated in an innuendo is not necessary to support the action, it may be rejected as surplusage. 9 East, R. 95; 7 Johns. R. 272. Vide, generally, Stark. on Slan. 293; 1 Chit. Pl. 383; 3 Chit. Cr. Law, 873; Bac. Ab. Slander, R; 1 Saund. 243, n. 4; 4 Com. Dig. 712; 14 Vin. Ab. 442; Dane's Ab. Index, h. t.; 4 Co. 17.

A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier. Published 1856.

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References in periodicals archive ?

The advertisement plays on the edge of sexual innuendo, without crossing the line.

TOO SEXY FOR THE TUBE?

That this recently arrived convict is kept in the bilge for a time underscores further the term's ambiguity, as expressions indicating interiority or exteriority in burlesque poetry generally refer to one's proximity to sexual organs.(33) Taken together, these elements - the amusement which the galley offers to the lovesick, the necessity of altering one's habits, the bitter sigh which accompanies this realization, the references to a small receptacle, and the notion of a practice becoming habitual - saturate the passage with sexual innuendo.(34) Each expression reinforces and enhances the erotic meaning of the other words.

Towards a reading of Bronzino's burlesque poetry

Risque jokes and sexual innuendo are on the cards when the characters are reunited with their human sidekick Geoffrey at Zeus nightclub.

Rainbow for big kids

Gober has always dealt in falseness, duplicity, and sexual innuendo. Surreally exaggerated, his earlier sink works are perverse, abused torsos--their lines and surfaces clean and clear, but their very noticeable drains suggesting dark sexual holes.

The end of the world has already happened: Robert Gober

While Su Pollard's performance inevitably catches the eye, there are many hilarious flashes from Gus Gallagher (Mercutio) and Alex Waldmann (Benvolio), particularly with their use of the long-nosed masks, sexual innuendo which drew shrieks of laughter from very young students in the first night audience.

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(How anyone can find sexual innuendo in a veggie burger is beyond me, but he managed it).

Lucy Sweet: Saucy barman gave us food for thought

Last year, the company was forced to defend its campaign which was criticised by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for containing too much sexual innuendo. The posters led to 12complaints to the ASA and the company said it was 'disappointed' with the ruling.

Drinks adverts toned down

His narrative is fast-moving, supercharged, and overheated, chock-full of high drama and sexual innuendo. In short, it is great fun.

Charlie Wilson's War: The Extraordinary Story of How the Wildest Man in Congress and a Rogue CIA Agent Changed the History of Our Times

Mrs Stocking complained that there was nothing in the promotional literature for the show which suggested there might be sexual innuendo in it.

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Prosecuting, Mariam Lewis said: "There were veiled threats and sexual innuendo.

HTV girl's stalker escapes jail term

An ASA spokesman said 'The consensus among the complaining public is that it is an unnecessary and blatant sexual innuendo, that it is crude, lewd and offensive.'

Anger at 'horn' ad

A MERSEYSIDE poster campaign encouraging women to drink Lambrini has been heavily criticisted by the advertising watchdog for containing sexual innuendo.