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Snivelling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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snivelling

[ˈsnɪvəlɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

showing emotion

To snivel means to cry or whine in a tearful manner. It often implies a sense of self-pity and is associated with weak or childish behavior.

Synonyms

blubber, sniffle, whine.

Examples of usage

  • The child began snivelling after dropping his ice cream.
  • She was snivelling at the sad movie scene.
  • He couldn't help but snivel when he heard the bad news.
Context #2 | Noun

display of emotion

Snivelling is the act of whining or crying in a way that can be perceived as insincere or excessive. It often indicates a lack of maturity in responding to difficult situations.

Synonyms

blubbering, sobbing, whimpering.

Examples of usage

  • His snivelling was annoying everyone in the room.
  • Despite her snivelling, she soon regained her composure.
  • The snivelling from the back of the class distracted the teacher.

Translations

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

Origin of 'snivelling'

The word 'snivelling' originates from the late Middle English term 'snivel', which is derived from the Old Norse word 'snufla', meaning 'to snuffle' or 'to sniffle.' Over time, 'snivel' evolved into 'snivelling' in the 16th century, acquiring connotations of crying or whining, often associated with childish behavior or weakness. The usage of the word has maintained a somewhat negative connotation, indicating self-indulgence in sadness or trivial complaints. Snivelling has been utilized in literature to portray characters who exhibit this type of weakness, reflecting societal attitudes towards vulnerability and emotional expression. Its applications in various contexts have remained consistent, often linking to a sense of insincerity or exaggerated emotional responses.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,995, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.