veiled reference
Oblique, indirect mention
A veiled reference is an indirect allusion to something, usually to avoid stating it explicitly.
The veil is metaphorical—something covers the true meaning, requiring the audience to read between the lines: Her speech contained veiled references to the scandal.
Often used when directness would be impolitic, dangerous, or tasteless.
- allusionIndirect reference to something
- innuendoOblique disparaging remark
- hintIndirect suggestion
- implicationIndirect suggestion or consequence
- suggestionIdea proposed for consideration
subtext · reading between · coded · oblique · subtle · insinuation · loaded language · hidden · cryptic · understated · between the lines · nod · wink · knowing look · nudge nudge · euphemism · double meaning · inside joke
- indirectnesscircumlocution, euphemism, hedging, hint, hinting
- innuendoinnuendo, sexual innuendo, double entendre, double meaning, implied meaning
- subtexthidden meaning, implied meaning, subtext, innuendo, insinuation
- cryptic puzzlesriddle, cipher, code, cryptogram, enigma
- secret codescipher, secret code, secret codes, code word, password
- figurative languagemetaphor, simile, figure of speech, analogy, personification