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Snaps Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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snaps

[snæps ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

social media

Short video or photo that disappears after being viewed

Synonyms

photo, picture, video.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
snaps

Used informally to describe quick and casual photographs taken with a camera or smartphone. It often implies spontaneity rather than professional quality.

  • She took some snaps of the sunset.
  • He shared a few snaps of the party on Instagram.
picture

A general term for both photos and images created by drawing or painting. It can be used in casual and formal settings and implies a broad range of visual representations.

  • Can you send me that picture from the hike?
  • The picture of the landscape in the living room is beautiful.
video

Refers to moving visual media, often recorded or streamed. It is less formal than 'film' and more appropriate for describing everyday recordings, such as home videos or clips shared on social media.

  • I recorded a video of the concert.
  • They uploaded a funny video to YouTube.
photo

Refers to a single photograph and is more formal than 'snaps'. Suitable for both casual contexts and more formal settings. It is often used when talking about printed pictures or those that have artistic or sentimental value.

  • I framed a photo of our family vacation.
  • She is a professional photographer and her photos are in an art gallery.

Examples of usage

  • He sent me a snap of his new puppy.
  • I love sharing snaps with my friends.
Context #2 | Verb

social media

To send a short video or photo that disappears after being viewed

Synonyms

capture, send, share.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
snaps

Again, used informally and often repeated to emphasize the action of taking quick, spontaneous photos. Popular in casual speech.

  • We took a few snaps while hiking.
  • She always sends me snaps of her pets.
send

Generally used when referring to the act of transferring a photo or message from one person to another via digital means. Neutral in tone.

  • Can you send me the photo you took?
  • He sent a picture of the dog to his friends.
share

Used when distributing or making a photo or message accessible to others, usually through social media or messaging platforms. Implies social interaction.

  • She loves to share her travel photos on Instagram.
  • He shared the party pictures in the group chat.
capture

Used more formally or artistically to describe the act of photographing or recording something in detail. Implies intention and care.

  • She managed to capture the sunset perfectly.
  • The photographer captured the emotions of the event beautifully.

Examples of usage

  • She always snaps funny moments from her day.
  • Let me snap a quick selfie.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Photography

  • The invention of the snapshot camera in the late 19th century allowed anyone to take pictures quickly, ushering in a new era of photography.
  • Snapshots revolutionized personal photography by making it possible to capture moments instantly, leading to the rise of photo albums.
  • Famous photographers often used the term 'snap' to describe their spontaneous, candid styles that captured real-life moments.

Cultural Significance

  • In the digital age, 'snaps' refers to instant messages or photos sent through social media apps like Snapchat.
  • The act of 'snapping' as a performance or musical expression can be associated with various art forms, showcasing creativity.
  • Snap decisions are often associated with improvisation in games, reflecting quick thinking and adaptability.

Sound & Communication

  • Snap sounds are often used in music to create rhythm, contributing to genres like jazz and hip-hop.
  • In many cultures, snapping fingers is also a way to get someone’s attention or express excitement.
  • Snaps can be a form of non-verbal communication, indicating agreement or acknowledgment in social settings.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that quick sounds like snaps can trigger instinctual attention and reaction due to their sudden nature.
  • Psychologists study the impact of quick verbal affirmations in conversations, highlighting how snaps can enhance communication.
  • The quick action of snapping fingers has been associated with increased brain activity, reflecting cognitive processing.

Origin of 'snaps'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'snap' comes from the old English word 'snappen', meaning to catch or seize quickly.
  • It began being used to describe a quick noise around the 19th century, especially in connection to photography.
  • The phrase 'snap your fingers' reflects the idea of doing something fast and easily.

The term 'snap' in the context of social media originated from the Snapchat app, which popularized the concept of sharing photos and videos that disappear after being viewed. This feature of instant messaging became widely used in various social media platforms, leading to the term 'snap' being commonly used to refer to such temporary multimedia messages.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,141, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.