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Euphemism vs. Innuendo: What's the Difference?

Euphemism and Innuendo Definitions

Euphemism

A mild, indirect, or vague term for one that is considered harsh, blunt, or offensive
"Euphemisms such as 'slumber room' ... abound in the funeral business" (Jessica Mitford).

Innuendo

An indirect or subtle, usually derogatory implication in expression; an insinuation.

Euphemism

The use of such terms
"Euphemism is common in hospital and medical facilities where bodily functions need to be discussed" (Diane F. Halpern).

Innuendo

(Law) A plaintiff's allegation explicating the defamatory meaning of the publication or utterance in a libel suit.

Euphemism

(uncountable) The use of a word or phrase to replace another with one that is considered less offensive, blunt or vulgar than the word or phrase which it replaces.
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Innuendo

A derogatory hint or reference to a person or thing. An implication, intimation or insinuation.
She made a devious innuendo about her husband, who was embarrassed.

Euphemism

(countable) A word or phrase that is used to replace another in this way.

Innuendo

(logic) A rhetorical device with an omitted, but obvious conclusion, made to increase the force of an argument.

Euphemism

A figure in which a harsh or indelicate word or expression is softened; a way of describing an offensive thing by an inoffensive expression; a mild name for something disagreeable.

Innuendo

(legal) Part of a pleading in cases of libel and slander, pointing out what and who was meant by the libellous matter or description.
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Euphemism

An inoffensive expression that is substituted for one that is considered offensive

Innuendo

To interpret (something libellous or slanderous) in terms of what was implied.

Innuendo

An oblique hint; a remote allusion or reference, usually derogatory to a person or thing not named; an insinuation.
Mercury . . . owns it a marriage by an innuendo.
Pursue your trade of scandal picking;Your innuendoes, when you tell us,That Stella loves to talk with fellows.

Innuendo

An averment employed in pleading, to point the application of matter otherwise unintelligible; an interpretative parenthesis thrown into quoted matter to explain an obscure word or words; - as, the plaintiff avers that the defendant said that he (innuendo the plaintiff) was a thief.

Innuendo

An indirect (and usually malicious) implication

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