Snorts: meaning, definitions and examples

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snorts

[snɔːt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

sound

To make a sudden, explosive sound through one's nose, especially to express contempt or ridicule.

Synonyms

huff, puff, sniff, snuffle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
snorts	Often used to describe a quick, involuntary sound made through the nose, usually in amusement, disapproval, or when an animal makes a similar noise. She couldn't help but snort in laughter at the joke. The horse snorted and stamped its feet impatiently.
sniff	Refers to drawing air through the nose, usually to detect a smell or when someone has a cold. It can also indicate disapproval or disdain. She sniffed the flowers and smiled. He sniffed in disapproval at the messy room.
snuffle	Describes breathing in a noisy way because of some nasal obstruction, such as a cold. It's often used when talking about animals or young children. The baby snuffled softly in its sleep. The dog snuffled around the bushes, looking for food.
huff	Typically refers to breathing heavily, often out of anger, frustration, or physical exertion. It can have a negative connotation when describing someone's reaction. 'I don't care,' he said, huffing in annoyance. After running five miles, she was huffing and struggling to catch her breath.
puff	Used to describe short, forceful breaths or exhalations, often due to physical effort like exercise. It also can describe the action of exhaling smoke from a cigarette or cigar. She was puffing and panting after climbing up the hill. He took a long puff from his cigar and leaned back in his chair.

Examples of usage

He snorted in disbelief.
The horse snorted with impatience.
I could hear him snorting from across the room.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

sound

A sudden, explosive sound made through the nose, especially as a sign of contempt or ridicule.

Synonyms

huff, puff, sniff, snuffle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
snorts	Often used to describe a sound made by someone, especially when laughing, angry, or showing disdain. Can have a negative connotation when implying rudeness or lack of control. He snorts with laughter at the joke. She snorts in disbelief at the ridiculous claim.
sniff	Commonly used to describe the act of smelling something or trying to clear the nose when one has a cold. Neutral to slightly negative connotation when used in terms of illness. She sniffed the flowers to enjoy their fragrance. He kept sniffing because of his cold.
snuffle	Describes a soft, partially obstructed nasal sound, often when someone has a cold or is sniffing quietly. Usually has a neutral or slightly sympathetic connotation. The little boy snuffled, trying to hold back his tears. She snuffled quietly due to her allergies.
huff	Typically used to describe a fit of anger or annoyance where someone might make a loud sound through their nose, showing their frustration. Often carries a negative connotation. He left the room in a huff after the argument. She huffed irritably when asked to do more work.
puff	Usually indicates a short burst of breath or air, often when someone is tired, breathing heavily, or as part of smoking. Neutral to slightly negative connotation depending on context. After the long run, he was puffing and out of breath. She took a puff from her cigarette and exhaled slowly.

Examples of usage

She let out an angry snort.
The snort of laughter echoed through the room.

Interesting Facts

Animal Behavior

Pigs are well-known for snorting; it’s how they communicate and express excitement.
Many animals, when excited or agitated, make snorting sounds, as it's a way to show they are feeling intense emotions.
In the animal kingdom, snorts can serve as warnings or signals to others in their group, often indicating curiosity or alertness.

Human Behavior

Some people snort when they laugh; this often happens when someone finds something really funny, adding to the laughter.
Certain medical conditions can cause individuals to snort frequently, especially if they have nasal obstruction or allergies.
Culturally, loud or unexpected snorts in social settings can be seen as a sign of being carefree or humorous.

Pop Culture

In animated films and shows, characters often snort to exaggerate their comedic or silly behavior, making the moment more entertaining.
Various memes and online content feature snorting as a funny reaction, showcasing the hilarity of unexpected laughter.
Comedians sometimes incorporate snorting sounds into their acts to elicit laughter from audiences, using it as a relatable quirk.

Linguistics

The sound 'snort' can be interestingly used in poetry and literature to evoke a certain imagery or humorous effect.
In some languages, equivalent terms for snorting have unique connotations, highlighting cultural differences in perception of the sound.
Onomatopoeic words like 'snort' are fascinating as they mimic the actual sound, illustrating the sounds nature makes.

Health

Excessive snorting in humans can sometimes indicate nasal issues and may warrant a check-up with a doctor.
People with sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, might often snort while sleeping due to blocked airways.
Snorting certain substances can be dangerous; it's crucial to understand that misuse can lead to serious health issues.

Translations

Translations of the word "snorts" in other languages:

🇵🇹 roncos

🇮🇳 सूंघता है

🇩🇪 Schnarchen

🇮🇩 dengkur

🇺🇦 хропіння

🇵🇱 chrapanie

🇯🇵 いびき

🇫🇷 ronflements

🇪🇸 ronquidos

🇹🇷 horlamalar

🇰🇷 코고는 소리

🇸🇦 شخير

🇨🇿 chrápání

🇸🇰 chrápanie

🇨🇳 打鼾

🇸🇮 smrčanje

🇮🇸 hrotur

🇰🇿 қырылдау

🇬🇪 ხვრინვა

🇦🇿 xoruldama

🇲🇽 ronquidos

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,188 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
31185 madrigal
31186 dolor
31187 kidnapper
31188 snorts
31189 crazily
31190 compassionately
31191 emailed
...