Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To speak insinuatingly / to make insinuations: To say something vague or indirect that is actually intended to imply a negative meaning about someone else, often in a critical or mocking way.
   • To throw out innuendoes: To suggest something unpleasant about a person without stating it directly.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Anh ta không dám nói thẳng, chỉ toàn nói đổng thôi. (He doesn't dare speak directly; he only ever speaks insinuatingly.)
  • Đừng có nói đổng nữa, có gì thì nói thẳng ra đi. (Stop making insinuations; if you have something to say, say it directly.)
  • Cô ấy ngồi đó nói đổng cả buổi về đồng nghiệp mới. (She sat there throwing out innuendoes about the new colleague all afternoon.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often carries a negative connotation, implying the speaker is being cowardly, gossipy, or intentionally provocative without taking direct responsibility for their words.
• It is commonly used in contexts of personal conflict, gossip, or social criticism where direct confrontation is avoided.

Variants and Related Words

• Nói bóng gió (verb phrase): to speak in hints or allusions; a close synonym to , though sometimes perceived as slightly less confrontational.
  • Anh ấy thích nói bóng gió hơn là nói thẳng. (He prefers to speak in hints rather than speaking directly.)

Synonyms

• To insinuate: To suggest something unpleasant indirectly.
• To imply: To indicate something without expressing it directly, often with a negative hint.
• To make snide remarks: To make critical comments in an indirect and sly way.

Related Idioms

• Nói mát: To make sarcastic or cutting remarks that are indirectly aimed at someone.

  • Bà ấy hay nói mát khi không hài lòng. (She often makes cutting remarks when she is dissatisfied.)

• Nói xa nói gần: To talk in roundabout ways, beating around the bush to imply something.

  • Cứ nói xa nói gần mãi, chẳng hiểu ý gì. (Just talking in roundabout ways forever, I don't understand the point.)

1. Throw out innuendoes