Snooty Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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snooty

[หˆsnสŠti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

describing a person

Showing disapproval or contempt towards others, often due to a perceived superiority in social status or taste.

Synonyms

arrogant, haughty, pretentious, snobbish.

Examples of usage

  • He always acts snooty towards people he considers beneath him.
  • The snooty waiter looked down on us for ordering tap water instead of wine.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing a place or atmosphere

Having an air of exclusivity or pretentiousness, often associated with high social class or luxury.

Synonyms

elitist, exclusive, sophisticated, upscale.

Examples of usage

  • The snooty country club only accepted members with prestigious backgrounds.
  • The boutique had a snooty vibe that made some customers uncomfortable.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural References

  • In various novels and films, snooty characters often serve as antagonists, embodying elitism and arrogance.
  • Snooty personalities can be found in modern media, such as in reality TV where cast members often flaunt their wealth and airs of superiority.

Psychology

  • People who display snooty behavior may be compensating for their insecurities by seeking validation through perceived superiority.
  • Some studies suggest that snobbishness can also be linked to socio-economic status, where individuals feel they must uphold social divides.

Social Dynamics

  • Snooty behavior can create tension in social settings, as it can alienate those who are perceived as 'less than'.
  • Group dynamics can be affected by snooty individuals, as they may foster an atmosphere of exclusion or class distinction.

Origin of 'snooty'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'snooty' likely evolved from the earlier word 'snoot', which means 'nose', reflecting a person who holds their nose high in disdain.
  • It gained popularity in the 19th century in Britain, particularly among the upper social classes to describe those looking down on less fortunate individuals.

The word 'snooty' originated in the early 20th century, possibly as a blend of 'snotty' and 'nooty.' It likely evolved from the idea of someone looking down their nose at others, reflecting a sense of superiority or arrogance. Over time, 'snooty' has become commonly used to describe people, places, or things that exhibit an air of haughtiness or exclusivity.


See also: snoot, snootily, snootiness.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,562, 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.