snide remark; sarcastic comment
Archaic noun for a cutting or sarcastic remark aimed at someone. Not used in modern Japanese; the concept is now expressed with words like 皮肉 or 嫌味.
In old texts, 当て言 was used as a word to mock someone.
indirect expression; roundabout saying
Archaic noun for a veiled or indirect way of speaking. Modern equivalents include 遠回しな言い方 or 婉曲表現.
当て言 referred to an expression that hinted at something without stating it directly.
Compound of 当て (あて, 'aiming at') and 言 (こと, 'word'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the word is now obsolete.