Innuendo?

Do you know what innuendo means?

From The Merriam-Webster Dictionary: by hinting. Hint, insinuation, esp a veiled reflection on character or reputation.

From Webster's New World College Dictionary: an indirect remark, gesture, or reference, usually implying something derogatory; insinuation.

From dictionary.com: an indirect intimation about a person or thing, especially of a disparaging or a derogatory nature.

I asked the question, and answered it, because apparently Bill Cosby doesn't know what innuendo means. Here's what he said Friday night, referring to the 15 or so woman who have accused him of rape or sexual assault:

"I know people are tired of me not saying anything, but a guy doesn't have to answer to innuendos," he said this weekend. "People should fact check. People shouldn't have to go through that, and shouldn't answer to innuendos."

Just to be clear, Mr. Cosby, these women are not saying that you "may have been inappropriate in possibly, maybe a sexual way." That's innuendo. 

On the contrary, Mr. Cosby, they say you drugged, raped and/or sexually assaulted them. That's not innuendo. It's not anonymous accusations and it's not extortion. These women are speaking out publicly, on the record, by name, with no hope or expectation of financial gain. If you have any hope of clearing your name against these very specific allegations, you're going to have to do a hell of a lot better than saying "a guy doesn't have to answer to innuendos."  

For the record, I don't think you can.