Snappishly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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snappishly

[หˆsnรฆpษชสƒli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a quick and curt manner

Snappishly is an adverb that describes someone speaking or acting in a sharp, impatient, or irritable manner. It implies a short temper or impatience in communication or behavior.

Synonyms

abruptly, brusquely, curtly, testily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
snappishly

Used when someone speaks in an irritated, sharp manner, often due to annoyance or impatience. This word carries a negative connotation.

  • She answered snappishly, not bothering to hide her frustration.
  • When asked again, he responded snappishly, clearly losing his temper.
brusquely

Used to describe a manner of speaking or acting that is short and blunt, which can come off as rude or dismissive. This word carries a mildly negative connotation.

  • The doctor spoke brusquely, making the patient feel uncomfortable.
  • She brusquely dismissed the question and moved on.
curtly

Used when someone speaks or acts in a very brief and somewhat rude manner. It is often seen as discourteous and abrupt.

  • He replied curtly, not bothering to explain further.
  • Her curtly worded message ended the conversation.
abruptly

Used when actions or speech are sudden and unexpected, often without the usual courtesy. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation but is often more neutral.

  • He ended the meeting abruptly and walked out.
  • She changed the subject abruptly, surprising everyone.
testily

Used when someone responds in an irritable and impatient manner, often because of being provoked or annoyed. This word carries a negative connotation.

  • He responded testily to the repetitive questions.
  • After being interrupted several times, she snapped back testily.

Examples of usage

  • She replied snappishly when asked about the project deadline.
  • He greeted the guests snappishly, clearly in a bad mood.
  • Don't speak to me snappishly, I'm not in the mood.
  • The customer service representative responded snappishly to the customer's complaint.
  • The teacher answered snappishly when the student asked a question.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often respond snappishly when stressed or overwhelmed, revealing underlying feelings of frustration.
  • Non-violent communication techniques suggest that expressing feelings can reduce the likelihood of snapping at others.
  • Research shows that when individuals are tired or emotional, their responses can become shorter and more curt, leading to snappish behavior.

Literature

  • Snappishly used as a character trait can add tension to dialogues, making interactions more dynamic.
  • Classic literature often portrays snappish characters as misundersood individuals, challenging perceptions of their behavior.
  • Authors like Jane Austen incorporate snappish remarks to reflect social norms and expectations of their time.

Pop Culture

  • In various films, snappish characters are often depicted as comedic relief, providing humor through their bluntness.
  • Television shows often use snappish dialogues to highlight conflict, showcasing the characterโ€™s annoyance for comedic effect.
  • Famous snappish characters, like Grumpy Cat, have become icons, emphasizing their relatable grumpiness in a humorous way.

Origin of 'snappishly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'snappish' comes from 'snap,' which refers to a quick, sharp action, combined with the suffix '-ish,' indicating a tendency.
  • This term has been used since the 17th century to describe impatient or rude behavior.
  • Related words like 'snappy' also reflect a quickness in manner, often with a hint of irritation.

The word 'snappishly' is derived from the adjective 'snappish', which first appeared in the late 16th century. It is formed by adding the suffix '-ly' to the word 'snappish', which means irritable or short-tempered. The word 'snappish' itself is related to the verb 'snap', indicating a sudden or sharp movement or sound. Over time, 'snappishly' has come to be used to describe someone's manner of speaking or acting in a quick and curt manner, often with impatience or irritation.


See also: snap, snapper, snappiness, snapping, snaps, snapshot.