Historical clue formulations

• Suggestion made with a wink and a nudge — 2021-06-30
• "Is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?," e.g. — 2014-06-14
• Part of many a smear campaign — 2011-07-02
• Dirty campaign technique — 2009-01-01
• Sly slur — 2007-08-03