Question

‘A statement, which may not be defamatory, but an innocent one which contains a secondary meaning, enough to make it a defamatory and derogatory statement’ is known as

• A. Defamation
• B. Innuendo
• C. Libel
• D. Slander

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

In the context of legal studies, particularly concerning defamation, it is important to understand the nuances of different terms. The statement 'A statement, which may not be defamatory, but an innocent one which contains a secondary meaning, enough to make it a defamatory and derogatory statement' refers to the specific concept known as Innuendo.

Innuendo is a form of indirect defamation where a seemingly innocent statement is capable of being understood by those with special knowledge to have a defamatory meaning. Unlike direct attacks on reputation, innuendo relies on the audience’s ability to pick up on insinuations or secondary implications.

For example, if someone says, "Mr. Smith and the confidential files were both in the office last night," the statement itself is innocuous. However, if context reveals Mr. Smith was suspected of leaking confidential information, the statement might carry an innuendo suggesting misconduct.