insinuation (n.)

1520s, "act of making an indirect suggestion;" 1530s, "that which is indirectly suggested," from Middle French insinuation (16c.) or directly from Latin insinuationem (nominative insinuatio) "entrance through a narrow way; an ingratiating oneself," noun of action from past participle stem of insinuare "creep in, intrude, wind one's way into" (see insinuate).