From the Latin language, the word "insinuation" literally translates as "smartness", "penetration". Insinuation is slander that denigrates someone. Information in this case is provided indirectly with a hint of some facts and circumstances. The main purpose of this technique is to undermine the trust of listeners (readers) in their opponent, in his behavior, opinion or arguments.
In politics, insinuations are allusions directed against persons with a certain power. Such statements in this case do not have clear moral and ethical justifications. This is necessary in order to avoid possible proceedings and prosecution in court.
The meaning of the word "innuendo" and its origin
The term "insinuation" was first used by the Byzantine emperor, commander and reformer Justinian I, the most prominent monarch of late antiquity. He called insinuation the judicial approval of donations if they exceededa set amount to limit wastefulness.
In rhetoric, insinuation is a turn of phrase in a soft, insinuating and even obsequious form. It sneaks into the minds of hostile listeners imperceptibly and is necessary to prevent possible conflicts. Enticing words, as a rule, only indirectly relate to the main topic of the conversation, but the listener's brain falls into the trap set by the speaker, and he proceeds to a direct presentation of the main arguments. Such techniques help win over the audience and achieve its complete disgust from the opponent.
Examples of innuendo
Insinuation is a statement, the purpose of which is to suggest a thought to a person, made insinuatingly. This is a hint that is brought to the listeners by special turns of speech with hidden overtones, and which to some extent is slander. In speech, insinuations are used in order to damage the reputation and undermine the audience's respect for the object to which this technique is applied. Insinuations expose a person in an unsightly light, accuse him of immoral acts.
Insinuation is deliberately false information that leads the listener to the obvious conclusion: the one they are talking about is guilty. At the same time, the information is supported by distorted facts. As a result, trust in the referenced object is sharply reduced, and it can be very difficult to return it.
Can I be prosecuted for innuendo
Prosecute fordirty insinuations is quite difficult, since the information is not provided directly, but in a hidden form. If you can prove that your opponent intentionally slandered you, then you may be able to prosecute him for libel or perjury. But in reality, it is almost impossible to do this, since the accuser can always justify himself by saying that you simply misunderstood his statements.
In political circles, the main method of dealing with innuendo is to provide interested parties with sufficient information about the politician in various forms (leaflets, articles, personal meetings, and so on).
