Snivelled - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

emotional reaction

To snivel means to cry or whine in a feeble or self-pitying way. It often implies a sense of excessive emotion or lower intensity of crying, typically when someone is upset or trying to get sympathy.

Synonyms

sniffle, wail, weep, whine.

Examples of usage

He snivelled like a child after losing his toy.
She started to snivel when she saw the sad movie.
The dog snivelled at the door, wanting to come inside.
He couldn't help but snivel during the emotional speech.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Context

In literature, characters who snivel often evoke compassion or annoyance, depending on the context, such as young children or vulnerable individuals.
Film and television frequently depict characters sniveling as a sign of emotional vulnerability, thus amplifying dramatic moments.
The portrayal of sniveling varies culturally; in some cultures, it's viewed as a sign of weakness, while in others, it's seen as a natural display of emotion.

Psychology

Crying and sniveling can serve as non-verbal cues to elicit sympathy and support from others, triggering nurturing instincts.
Research suggests that crying can help release stress hormones, making sniveling a natural reaction to emotional pain.
In psychology, some studies indicate that people who snivel may feel a loss of control, revealing deeper feelings of insecurity or fear.

Literature

Charles Dickens often used sniveling characters to highlight social issues, drawing attention to the plight of the weak in society.
In 'Harry Potter,' characters like Draco Malfoy showcase sniveling during moments of vulnerability, adding depth to their personalities.
Shakespeare's plays feature several characters who snivel in moments of desperation, reflecting the emotional landscape of humanity.

Pop Culture

Voices in animated shows often use exaggerated sniveling to create comedic effect, making characters more relatable and humorous.
The character of Gollum from 'The Lord of the Rings' exhibits sniveling behavior, representing his internal conflict and emotional turmoil.
In memes and social media, sniveling is sometimes humorously exaggerated to communicate frustration over mundane issues, illustrating its cultural relevance.

Origin of 'snivelled'

Main points about word origin

The root 'snivel' comes from the Old English word 'snyflian', which means to sniffle or to cry.
This term has been in use since the 14th century, originally referring to the act of whining or complaining.
The -ed suffix in 'snivelled' indicates the past action of sniveling, making it a verb form that describes completed behavior.

The term 'snivelled' derives from the Middle English 'sniuelen', which means to let saliva drip from the nose or to cry weakly. This, in turn, comes from the Old Norse word 'snifla', meaning to sniff or snuffle. The evolution of the word reflects a gradual shift in meaning from a literal description of nasal discharge to a more abstract representation of tearful or self-pitying behavior. Historically, the connection between crying and sniffling has been acknowledged in various cultures, associating the sound with sadness or pleading for sympathy. Over centuries, 'snivel' has maintained its pejorative connotation, often suggesting that the individual is indulgently expressing their distress rather than dealing with it in a more composed manner.

Snivelled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations