当あて言こと

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.

• 古ふるい文ぶん献けんでは、当あて言ことは相あい手てを嘲あざける言こと葉ばとして使つかわれた。

  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.

• 当あて言ことは、直ちょく接せつ言いわずにほのめかす表ひょう現げんを指さした。

  当て言 referred to an expression that hinted at something without stating it directly.