OE


insinuation, innuendo The signal phrase “more by X than Y” implies some kind of contrast between the two elements. The second element here is “straightforward vulgarity.” You want to contrast that with something. The adjective “sexual” may seem to confuse things; you need a word that will undercut it, such as allusion. Conversation (an informal verbal exchange) and rapport (a harmonious relationship) are not quite a pair. Blatancy (obviousness) and illusion (something that looks or seems different from what it is) are almost opposites.