Top 29 Slang For Implication – Meaning & Usage

In today’s fast-paced world of communication, implying something without explicitly stating it has become an art form. From subtle hints to clever wordplay, there is a whole world of slang for implication that is constantly evolving. Whether you want to impress your friends or simply stay up-to-date with the latest linguistic trends, this listicle is here to decode the hidden meanings behind popular phrases and expressions. Get ready to dive into the world of implication and discover the power of words like never before!

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1. Alluding to

When someone is “alluding to” something, they are indirectly referring to it without explicitly stating it. It often involves making subtle hints or references.

For example, in a conversation about a secret, someone might say, “I heard some interesting rumors, but I won’t say more. I’ll just leave it at that.” They are alluding to the secret without revealing it.
In a discussion about a scandal, someone might comment, “Certain individuals were involved in some questionable activities, but I won’t name names.” This is an allusion to the individuals without directly accusing them.
A person might write a cryptic social media post saying, “Sometimes it’s better to keep things unsaid.” This is a way of alluding to a hidden meaning or message.

2. Suggesting

When someone is “suggesting” something, they are implying or proposing a certain idea or course of action. It often involves offering a possible solution or direction.

For instance, in a brainstorming session, someone might say, “I suggest we try a different approach.” They are implying that the current approach is not effective.
In a conversation about dinner plans, someone might suggest, “How about we go out for pizza?” They are proposing the idea of going out for pizza.
A person might suggest a book to a friend, saying, “I think you would enjoy this novel.” They are implying that the friend would find the book enjoyable.

3. Imputing

When someone is “imputing” something, they are attributing or assigning a certain quality or characteristic to someone or something. It often involves making assumptions or drawing conclusions.

For example, in a discussion about a person’s behavior, someone might say, “I don’t want to impute motives, but it seems like they have ulterior motives.” They are attributing the possibility of hidden motives to the person.
In a debate about a controversial topic, someone might impute certain beliefs to their opponent, saying, “You’re implying that I support this policy, but that’s not true.” They are attributing the belief to their opponent.
A person might impute a certain meaning to a piece of artwork, saying, “I interpret this painting as a representation of freedom.” They are attributing the meaning to the artwork.

4. Inferring

When someone is “inferring” something, they are drawing a conclusion or understanding based on evidence or clues. It often involves reading between the lines or making educated guesses.

For instance, in a conversation where someone says, “I can’t make it to the party tonight,” and another person responds, “That’s a shame,” the second person is inferring disappointment based on the response.
In a mystery novel, a detective might infer the identity of the culprit based on the available evidence.
A person might infer someone’s feelings based on their body language or tone of voice, saying, “I can tell they’re upset even though they haven’t said anything.”

5. Implying

When someone is “implying” something, they are suggesting it indirectly without explicitly stating it. It often involves making implications or insinuations.

For example, in a conversation about a messy room, someone might say, “Wow, it looks like a tornado went through here.” They are implying that the room is very messy.
In a discussion about a person’s abilities, someone might comment, “They certainly have a way with words.” They are implying that the person is skilled at communication.
A person might imply a criticism by saying, “That’s an interesting choice of outfit.” They are indirectly suggesting that the outfit is unusual.

6. Connoting

This term refers to the act of suggesting or implying something without explicitly stating it. It involves using words or symbols that have a deeper or hidden meaning.

For example, a person might say, “His choice of words is connoting that he is not happy with the situation.”
In a discussion about a movie, someone might comment, “The dark lighting and eerie music connoted a sense of impending danger.”
A writer might use connoting to add depth to their storytelling, such as, “The red rose connoted love and passion in the scene.”

7. Signifying

This term refers to the act of using a word, gesture, or symbol to represent or indicate something else. It involves using a sign or signal to convey a specific meaning.

For instance, a person might say, “The handshake between the two leaders signified their agreement.”
In a cultural context, certain colors can signify different meanings. For example, white can signify purity or innocence.
A person might use signifying to communicate non-verbally, such as giving a thumbs-up to signify approval.

8. Indicating

This term refers to the act of showing or suggesting something, often through direct evidence or clear signs. It involves providing clues or signals that point to a particular meaning or conclusion.

For example, a person might say, “The dark clouds indicating that a storm is approaching.”
In a detective story, the detective might say, “The footprints at the crime scene are indicating that the suspect was there.”
A person might use indicating to show a preference or desire, such as pointing to a menu item to indicate their choice.

9. Gesturing towards

This term refers to the act of using physical movements or gestures to suggest or imply something. It involves using body language to convey a message without using words.

For instance, a person might say, “She gestured towards the door, indicating that it was time to leave.”
In a conversation, someone might use gesturing towards to emphasize a point or idea, such as pointing to a map to indicate a specific location.
A person might use gesturing towards to flirt or show interest, such as winking or nodding towards someone they find attractive.

10. Getting at

This term refers to the act of indirectly suggesting or hinting at something. It involves getting to the core or essence of a message without explicitly stating it.

For example, a person might say, “What are you really getting at with that comment?”
In a discussion about a controversial topic, someone might ask, “What is the author getting at in this article?”
A person might use getting at to express frustration or confusion, such as saying, “I don’t understand what you’re getting at with all these vague statements.”

11. Indirectly suggesting

This refers to subtly implying or suggesting something without directly stating it. It involves using indirect language or actions to convey a message.

For example, “She was indirectly suggesting that she didn’t want to go to the party by saying she had other plans.”
In a conversation about a coworker’s promotion, someone might say, “I heard some rumors about why they got promoted, but I don’t want to directly accuse anyone.”
A person might use indirect language to imply a negative opinion, such as saying, “That outfit is certainly…interesting.”

12. Alluding

This means to make a reference to something indirectly, often by mentioning it without explicitly stating it. It involves hinting at a particular idea or concept.

For instance, in a conversation about a famous book, someone might say, “The author was alluding to historical events in that chapter.”
In a song that references a famous movie, the lyrics might include, “You must be the Rose to my Jack, alluding to the film Titanic.”
A person might use alluding to indirectly mention a past mistake, such as saying, “Remember that time when someone accidentally spilled coffee on the boss’s desk?”

13. Conveying

This refers to expressing or communicating something indirectly or implicitly. It involves using words, actions, or other means to convey a message without stating it directly.

For example, “By avoiding eye contact and crossing her arms, she was conveying her disapproval of the situation.”
In a conversation about a difficult topic, someone might say, “I’m trying to convey my concern without sounding too critical.”
A person might use conveying to indirectly express their emotions, such as saying, “Through his artwork, he was conveying a sense of loneliness and longing.”

14. Gesturing

This means to use physical movements or gestures to imply or suggest something without using words. It involves using body language to convey a message or idea.

For instance, in a crowded room, someone might gesture for another person to come closer instead of calling out to them.
In a conversation about a secret, someone might make a “zipper” motion across their lips to imply that they should keep quiet.
A person might use gesturing to indicate a direction, such as pointing towards a specific location instead of giving verbal instructions.

15. Insinuative

This refers to the act of implying or suggesting something indirectly, often with negative or malicious intent. It involves making subtle hints or insinuations to convey a message.

For example, “His insinuative comments about her intelligence were meant to undermine her.”
In a discussion about a political scandal, someone might say, “The leaked documents contain insinuative evidence of corruption.”
A person might use insinuative language to make a veiled accusation, such as saying, “I find it interesting how certain people conveniently benefit from these decisions.”

16. Subtext

Subtext refers to the underlying or implicit meaning in a piece of communication, such as a conversation, text, or artwork. It is the message that is implied rather than explicitly stated.

For example, in a movie, the subtext of a character’s actions might reveal their true intentions.
In a poem, the subtext can provide deeper layers of meaning beyond the literal words.
A person might say, “The subtext of their argument suggests unresolved issues.”

17. Innuendo

Innuendo is a form of indirect suggestion or insinuation, often with a sexual or provocative connotation. It involves hinting at something or making an allusion without explicitly stating it.

For instance, a person might use innuendo to suggest that someone is involved in a scandal.
In a playful conversation, someone might use innuendo to flirt or create a sense of intrigue.
A comedian might rely on innuendo to make a joke that is suggestive but not explicit.

18. Insinuation

Insinuation refers to the act of suggesting or hinting at something indirectly. It involves subtly implying or suggesting a particular idea or meaning without explicitly stating it.

For example, someone might insinuate that a person is lying by saying, “I find it interesting how their story keeps changing.”
In a political debate, insinuations can be used to discredit opponents without making direct accusations.
A person might say, “The insinuation that I had anything to do with that incident is completely false.”

19. Imply

Imply means to suggest or hint at something indirectly without explicitly stating it. It involves conveying a particular meaning or message without directly expressing it.

For instance, a person might imply that they are not interested in a social event by saying, “I have other plans.”
In a conversation about a missing item, someone might imply that another person is responsible by saying, “I wonder who could have taken it.”
A teacher might imply that a student needs to study more by saying, “The upcoming test will be challenging.”

20. Implication

Implication refers to the inferred meaning or consequence of something that is not explicitly stated. It is the logical conclusion or suggestion that can be drawn from a particular statement, action, or situation.

For example, the implication of someone saying, “I’m not sure if I can make it” might be that they are not interested in attending.
In a business negotiation, the implication of a certain offer might be that the other party is not willing to compromise.
A person might say, “The implication of their behavior is that they don’t trust us.”

21. Insinuate

To insinuate is to suggest or imply something indirectly, often with negative connotations. It is a way of hinting at or suggesting something without saying it outright.

For example, if someone says, “I heard you got a promotion. Must be nice to have connections,” they are insinuating that the person only got the promotion because of their connections.
In a disagreement, one person might insinuate, “I guess some people just don’t care about others’ feelings.”
A character in a movie might insinuate, “I’ll keep your secret, but remember, I can always use it against you.”

22. Allusion

An allusion is an indirect reference to something, often a work of literature, history, or popular culture. It is a way of making a reference without explicitly stating it.

For instance, if someone says, “She has the voice of an angel,” they are making an allusion to the biblical idea of angels having heavenly voices.
In a conversation about movies, someone might say, “That line was a clear allusion to ‘The Godfather’.”
A writer might include an allusion to Shakespeare in their novel, such as “She was his Juliet, and he was her Romeo.”

23. Inference

An inference is a conclusion or deduction made based on evidence or reasoning. It is a way of drawing a conclusion without having explicit information.

For example, if someone says, “She’s wearing a wedding ring, so I can infer that she’s married,” they are making an inference based on the evidence of the ring.
In a detective story, the detective might make inferences based on the evidence at a crime scene.
A teacher might ask students to make inferences about a character’s motives based on their actions in a book.

24. Indication

An indication is a sign or signal that suggests or implies something. It is a way of pointing towards something without explicitly stating it.

For instance, if someone says, “The dark clouds are an indication of an approaching storm,” they are pointing out a sign that suggests a storm is coming.
In a job interview, a candidate might give an indication of their skills by mentioning relevant experience.
A doctor might look for indications of a specific illness based on a patient’s symptoms.

25. Suggestion

A suggestion is an idea or proposal put forward for consideration. It is a way of offering an idea without insisting on it or making it a direct statement.

For example, if someone says, “Maybe we should try a different approach,” they are making a suggestion for a new approach without demanding it.
In a brainstorming session, team members might offer suggestions for solving a problem.
A friend might suggest, “How about we grab dinner at that new restaurant?”

26. Conveyance

Conveyance refers to the act of expressing or communicating something. It is often used to describe the way someone conveys a message or idea without explicitly stating it.

For example, “Her facial expressions were a clear conveyance of her disapproval.”
In a discussion about nonverbal communication, one might say, “Body language is an important conveyance of emotions.”
A person might comment on a persuasive speech, “The speaker’s conveyance of their argument was compelling.”

27. Intimation

Intimation refers to a subtle hint or suggestion that implies something without explicitly stating it. It is often used when describing a message or idea that is conveyed indirectly.

For instance, “He gave me an intimation that he knew about the surprise party.”
In a conversation about romantic interest, someone might say, “She gave me an intimation that she was interested in me.”
A person might ask, “Did you catch the intimation in her tone? She was definitely upset.”

28. Signification

Signification refers to the meaning or implication of something. It is often used when discussing the deeper or hidden meaning behind a message or action.

For example, “The signification of her words was clear: she was not happy with the decision.”
In a literary analysis, one might say, “The signification of the author’s use of symbolism is open to interpretation.”
A person might comment on a political statement, “The signification of his speech was that he supports stricter gun control.”

29. Gesture

Gesture refers to a physical movement or action that conveys a message or meaning. It is often used to describe nonverbal communication, such as hand gestures or facial expressions.

For instance, “He made a gesture of approval by giving a thumbs-up.”
In a discussion about cultural differences, one might say, “Gestures can have different meanings in different cultures.”
A person might comment on a speaker’s presentation, “Her gestures were engaging and added emphasis to her points.”