Suggesting something indirectly or subtly, often something negative or unpleasant, without saying it directly; sneaky or sly in manner.
From Latin 'insinuare' (to wind in), combining 'in-' (into) and 'sinuare' (to wind or curve). The word originally meant 'to wind into,' then evolved to mean 'to introduce gradually or sneakily.'
Insinuate literally means 'to wind into,' which is why it has that sneaky feeling—you're not marching in directly with your accusation or suggestion, you're winding your way in like a snake, so the person barely notices it.
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