insinuate

Can an inanimate object "insinuate" something (ex. As it was being constructed, the fair insinuated a great deal of enthusiasm.) ?

This was said in conversation and it certainly did not sound right to me. I know it is not a good use of the word but is it wrong?

I've never heard the word "insinuate" used this way at all - it seems far removed from the standard meaning, which is to imply something indirectly. Since it involves a speech act, I don't think inanimate objects can insinuate.

An example of how I would use it: "Are you insinuating that the person who said this wasn't very well educated?"

I think what they meant to say was that the fair generated a great deal of enthusiasm.

I don't think it sounds right the way it's used in your example sentence, but I think it could be used for inanimate objects - "the sculpture insinuated the curves of a woman's body". Mabye I'm wrong...

Here's the definition from Merriam-Webster online:

"transitive verb 1 a : to introduce (as an idea) gradually or in a subtle, indirect, or covert way <insinuate doubts into a trusting mind> b : to impart or suggest in an artful or indirect way : imply <I resent what you're insinuating>
2 : to introduce (as oneself) by stealthy, smooth, or artful means"

bluegiraffe, although your example doesn't square with the dictionary definition, it does seem to work with the etymology: "Etymology: Latin insinuatus, past participle of insinuare, from in- + sinuare to bend, curve, from sinus curve". Perhaps you were subconsciously picking up on the Latin root here, or thinking of the word "sinuous" which means "having a wavy or serpentine form".

Or maybe I'm just at the forefront of the English language ;0) Perhaps not...