Sniffled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ข
sniffled
[หsnษชf(ษ)ld ]
Definition
emotional state
To sniffle means to breathe in quickly through the nose, often due to crying or a cold. It typically refers to the sound made when someone tries to suppress tears or a runny nose.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She sniffled softly after the sad movie.
- He tried to speak but sniffled instead.
- The child sniffled as he held his teddy bear.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Health
- Sniffling is often a symptom of allergies or colds, where mucus builds up and irritates the nasal passages.
- Doctors advise that frequent sniffles can indicate the need for rest or an evaluation of potential allergens in your environment.
Psychology
- People sometimes sniffle when they feel sad or emotional; itโs a natural reflex that can even make others show empathy.
- Research suggests sniffing can heighten emotional reactions, making it easier to feel connected to others' sadness.
Pop Culture
- In films and books, characters often sniffle to depict vulnerability, making them more relatable to the audience.
- Cartoons frequently exaggerate the sound to evoke laughter or sympathy, showing how the act can be both serious and humorous.
Linguistic Features
- The sound of sniffing is often represented in written language as 'sniff' or 'snuffle', mimicking the actual sound.
- In poetry, the act of sniffing or sniffiling can evoke imagery of tenderness, nostalgia, or sadness.
Origin of 'sniffled'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'sniffle' comes from the late 19th century, combining 'sniff' and the suffix '-le' to suggest a repetitive action.
- In older forms of English, similar sounds from the nose were described with words like 'snuffle', which also implies a gentle way of breathing in.
The word 'sniffle' is derived from the combination of 'sniff', which has its roots in Middle English, prevalent since the late 14th century, indicating the action of sniffing or drawing air through the nose. The suffix '-le' often denotes a recurring or diminutive action, which contributes to the notion of a soft or gentle sniff. As emotions became intertwined with physical reactions, particularly crying, the term 'sniffle' evolved to describe the sound accompanying such emotions as sadness or discomfort. By the 19th century, it became commonly associated with minor ailments like colds, reflecting society's growing awareness of the nuances of emotional expressions and their physical manifestations.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #33,792 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
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- 33792 sniffled
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- ...