Learn English – Are the words ‘innuendo’ and ‘insinuation’ different in meaning

meaningneologismssynonyms

According to the dictionary the two words are synonymous to each other but I think there is a subtle difference in meaning between the two words that I do not find in the dictionary.

I thought of this question when I heard the word 'insinuendo' in a movie. The actor blended the words 'innuendo' and 'insinuation' and created an interesting and funny portmanteau.

Best Answer

"The difference lies at whom the comment is directed and who determines the allegation is unwanted."

While technically the words are considered synonyms of sorts, pragmatics suggest a substantial difference in several aspects.

Bruce Fraser writes in Perspectives on Semantics:

Whereas an insinuation can be directed either at the target, the audience, or to both, an innuendo is directed only to an audience. An innuendo is a special type of insinuation in which the implied message is intended for the audience and it doesn't matter if the target is even aware of the comment. To be sure, the comment giving rise to an innuendo may be spoken to the target, for example, when Bradley said to Gore, "Let me explain to you. Al, how the private sector works," but the innuendo was meant for the audience, who at that time, were potential voters for Bradley. (p.331)

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