Innuendo – Reading Between the Lines

Language is like an iceberg. There is more to it than what meets the eye. So many jokes, witty remarks and even insults are often lost in time for lack of ability to decipher them. But we certainly know how to read between the lines and understand more than what was intended.

According to the Advanced Oxford Learner’s Dictionary (US – UK), an Innuendo is “an indirect remark about somebody or something, usually suggesting something bad, mean or rude”. The word innuendo comes from the Latin word innuendum, which meant “a hint by way of signalling” or “a nod.” The definition of innuendo retains this idea of a word or phrase hinting or signalling a different meaning. The listener or reader is expected to understand the implied meaning based on the context. In such a context, speaker and hearer may be presumed to share common knowledge and expectations.

Innuendo is also known as or can be considered close to double entendre which is a figure of speech or an expression that can be interpreted in two ways, especially when one meaning is risqué. The innuendo may convey a message that is socially awkward, sexually suggestive, or even offensive. One of the messages is obvious, based on the context; while the underlying meaning requires a little bit of join the dots or putting two and two together! Double entendres generally rely on multiple meanings of words, or different interpretations of the same primary meaning. They often exploit ambiguity.

A person who is unfamiliar with the hidden or alternative meaning of a sentence ; or is of a different language/culture group, (innuendos may often be culture specific) may fail to detect its innuendos, aside from observing that others find it humorous for no apparent reason.

Innuendo is widely used in sitcoms and other comedy. Double entendres are popular in modern movies, as a way to conceal adult humour in a work aimed at general audiences.

See whether you understand all of these …

I’ve found a way to get some “extra help” on the test.

It seems strange that Mike has missed work on yet another Friday, of all days.

Has Selene been fired? Not yet!

I wish I were as confident as you to wear something so revealing.

“We don’t mean to be rude; but we’re French. And its dinner time!” (Disney’s Ratatouille)

Is he really a politician? He seemed honest to me.

You will definitely find yourself searching for hidden meaning even in the most straightforward phrases now! Don’t rack your brains too much but keep those ears pricked up.