Significations et usages de innuendo

Look up innuendo in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

An innuendo is an indirect intimation about a person or thing, especially of a disparaging or a derogatory nature. It can also be a remark or question, typically disparaging (also called insinuation), that works obliquely by allusion. In the latter sense, the intention is often to insult or accuse someone in such a way that one's words, taken literally, are innocent.

According to the Advanced Oxford Learner's Dictionary, an innuendo is "an indirect remark about somebody or something, usually suggesting something bad, mean or rude; the use of remarks like this: innuendoes about her private life or The song is full of sexual innuendo." The word is often used to express disapproval.^[1]

The term sexual innuendo has acquired a specific meaning, namely that of a "risque" double entendre by playing on a possibly sexual interpretation of an otherwise innocent uttering. For example: "We need to go deeper" can be seen as both a request for further inquiry on any given issue or a request to go deeper into an orifice. Alternatively the simple changing of the pronunciation of a word can be used to make it sound vulgar e.g. innuendo to "in-your-endo".

  Animal Flyer

In the context of defamation law, an innuendo is the meaning borne by the form of words complained of.

  Television and other media

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British sitcoms and comedy shows such as Are You Being Served^[2] and Round the Horne^[3] have also made extensive use of innuendo. Mild sexual innuendo is a staple of British pantomime.^[4]

The figure at right shows a male cat paying a "call" on a female cat, who then serves up kittens, insinuating that the "result" of children is predicated on a male "call."

Many television shows aimed at a younger audience frequently use innuendos as a way of attracting older viewers without offending their network's censorship. Shows such as Tom and Jerry (1940), The Flintstones (1960), Tiny Toon Adventures (1992), Scooby Doo, Where Are You (1969) and Top Cat (1961) have all used innuendo.^{[citation needed]}

Many primetime shows use an extensive amount of innuendo to the point that it is rated TV-PG/14 D for dialogue. Shows such as The Simpsons, Futurama, Son of the Beach, The Office, King of The Hill, House, Beavis and Butt-head, Everybody Hates Chris, George Lopez, American Dad!, Tosh.0, and especially Family Guy and South Park have done this.^{[citation needed]} Also, many radio shows, including the Bobby Bones Show, the Rick and Bubba Show, The Gallo Radio Show, and most of the songs played on Southern Crossroads are notable for this.^{[citation needed]}

A character in the American sitcom Scrubs, The Todd, is known for his constant innuendo, even shown waiting around corners for 'set ups', opportunities to make innuendos.

  See also

• Doublespeak
• Euphemism

  References