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Snotty: meaning, definitions and examples

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snotty

 

[ ˈsnɒti ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

attitude, behavior

The term 'snotty' is often used to describe someone who is arrogant or condescending. It suggests a disdainful or superior attitude toward others, often in a dismissive manner. This term can also describe something that is slimy or covered in mucus, but the attitude-related definition is more commonly used.

Synonyms

arrogant, condescending, haughty, snobbish, supercilious

Examples of usage

  • She gave a snotty response to the suggestion.
  • His snotty behavior at the party annoyed everyone.
  • Don't be so snotty just because you got a promotion.

Translations

Translations of the word "snotty" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mucoso

🇮🇳 नाक पर खून

🇩🇪 schnodderig

🇮🇩 ingusan

🇺🇦 сопливий

🇵🇱 smarkający

🇯🇵 鼻水が出る

🇫🇷 mouillé

🇪🇸 mucosidad

🇹🇷 sümük

🇰🇷 콧물

🇸🇦 مخاط

🇨🇿 rýma

🇸🇰 soplík

🇨🇳 鼻涕的

🇸🇮 mucast

🇮🇸 slím

🇰🇿 жөтел

🇬🇪 ყლაპი

🇦🇿 burun akıntısı

🇲🇽 mocos

Word origin

The word 'snotty' originated in Middle English, derived from the term 'snot,' which refers to nasal mucus. The term 'snot' itself has Old English roots from 'snotta,' related to the act of sneezing or nasal discharge. Over time, the term evolved in colloquial usage to describe a person exhibiting a condescending or arrogant attitude, akin to the dismissive nature one might associate with someone looking down upon others. The transition from a physical description (involving nasal mucus) to a metaphorical description (relating to personality traits) reflects changes in language usage, particularly in British English, where it gained traction in the 19th century. By the early 20th century, 'snotty' had firmly established itself in informal contexts to denote not just a disdainful attitude but also a certain youthful insolence, often associated with privilege or entitlement.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,962 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.