noun
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.
古い文献では、当て言は相手を嘲る言葉として使われた。
In old texts, 当て言 was used as a word to mock someone.
noun
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.
当て言は、直接言わずにほのめかす表現を指した。
当て言 referred to an expression that hinted at something without stating it directly.
Modern phrase for an indirect or roundabout expression, covering the second sense of 当て言.
Compound of 当て (あて, 'aiming at') and 言 (こと, 'word'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the word is now obsolete.