Sniveling: meaning, definitions and examples

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sniveling

 

[ ˈsnɪvəlɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

expressing distress

Sniveling refers to the act of crying or whimpering in a weak or feeble manner. It often conveys a sense of self-pity or vulnerability. The term is frequently used to describe someone who is excessively emotive or complaining in a childish way. Sniveling can also indicate physical symptoms like a runny nose, especially when someone is upset or unwell.

Synonyms

blubbering, crying, snuffling, whimpering.

Examples of usage

  • The child was sniveling after losing his toy.
  • She couldn’t help sniveling at the sad movie.
  • He sat in a corner, sniveling about his recent misfortunes.
  • When confronted about his mistakes, he started sniveling.

Translations

Translations of the word "sniveling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 choramingar

🇮🇳 रोना

🇩🇪 heulen

🇮🇩 merintih

🇺🇦 плаксивий

🇵🇱 jęczeć

🇯🇵 泣き言を言う

🇫🇷 pleurnicher

🇪🇸 lloriquear

🇹🇷 sızlanmak

🇰🇷 투덜거리다

🇸🇦 يبكي

🇨🇿 naříkat

🇸🇰 narekať

🇨🇳 哭泣

🇸🇮 tuliti

🇮🇸 gráta

🇰🇿 жылайды

🇬🇪 ტირილი

🇦🇿 ağlamaq

🇲🇽 lloriquear

Etymology

The word 'sniveling' originates from the late Middle English term 'snivel', which is derived from the Old English 'snyflian', meaning 'to snuffle' or 'to weep or cry weakly'. The term reflects a physical action of sniffing or sounding of tears, associated with the act of crying. Historically, the connotation of 'sniveling' has often carried an implication of insincerity or undue self-pity, suggesting that the person crying is doing so in a manipulative or attention-seeking manner. Over time, the meaning has broadened to encompass not just the crying itself but also the emotive act of complaining or expressing distress in a way that might be considered excessive.