Innuendo

For other uses, see Innuendo (disambiguation).

An innuendo is a baseless invention of thoughts or ideas. 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.

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 more simple changing the pronunciation of a word in order for it to sound vulgar e.g. innuendo to in-your-endo.

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

Television and other media

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: Template:Multicol

• Tom and Jerry (1940)
• The Flintstones (1960)
• Tiny Toon Adventures (1992)
• Scooby Doo, Where Are You (1969)
• Top Cat (1961)
• Jimmy Two-Shoes (2009) very
• MAD (2010)
• Camp Lazlo (2005)
• The Fairly OddParents (2001)
• Ed, Edd n Eddy (1999)
• Ying Yang Yo! (2006)
• SpongeBob SquarePants (1999)
• A Pup Named Scooby-Doo (1988)
• Cow and Chicken (1997)

• Drake and Josh (2004)
• Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide (2004)
• I Am Weasel (1997)
• Dexter's Laboratory (1996)
• 2 Stupid Dogs (1993)
• Rocko's Modern Life (only in some deleted scenes) (1993)
• The Ren & Stimpy Show (only in deleted scenes) (1991)
• My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic (2010)
• Regular Show (2010)
• Animaniacs (1993)
• Looney Tunes (1930)
• Merrie Melodies (1931)
• The Looney Tunes Show (2011)
• The Amazing World of Gumball (only in The Dress) (2011)
• T.U.F.F. Puppy (2010)

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. British sitcoms, such as Are You Being Served, among others, have also done this.

Also, many radio shows, including The Gallo Radio Show, most of the songs played on Southern Crossroads, sometimes The Rick & Bubba Show, The Steve and DC Morning Show, especially The JT & Dave Show, Air Bubba and The Bob & Tom Show are notable for this.