Practice Snooty with Flashcards, Spelling and Quizzes

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Arrogance and Selfishness

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Conduct and Character

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Deceit and Pretense

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Disdain and Contempt

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snooty

Snooty (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

adjective

IPA:

/ˈsnu ti/

What does snooty mean?

Displaying an air of superiority or arrogance, often accompanied by a condescending attitude.
"The snooty waiter looked down his nose at us as we entered the restaurant."

Detailed Meaning of Snooty

A snooty individual tends to exhibit a sense of self-importance and may look down upon others they perceive as inferior. This person typically adopts a haughty demeanor, often seen in their facial expressions, tone of voice, and choice of words. Snootiness can manifest in various social contexts, such as high-class establishments or exclusive social circles, where individuals may demonstrate a pretentious behavior to assert their perceived superiority. Consequently, being labeled as snooty implies a lack of humility and an inclination towards belittling or disregarding others.

Example Sentences for Snooty

1. She always has a snooty attitude when talking about fashion.
2. I don't like that snooty club; they only let certain people in.
3. The dog had a snooty expression, as if he were judging my choice of snacks.
4. The shopkeeper gave me a snooty look when I asked about the prices.
5. He acts snooty, but he's really just insecure.
6. The snooty neighbors think their lawn is the best on the block.

Origin and Etymology of Snooty

The term 'snooty' has its roots in British slang, specifically in the late 19th century. It is believed to be a humorous and informal alteration of the word 'snout,' which originally referred to the human nose. Over time, 'snooty' evolved to describe someone who behaves with an elevated air of superiority or arrogance, often looking down on others. This transformation from a reference to the nose to a descriptor of haughty behavior highlights the way language can playfully adapt and expand its meanings.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective snooty:

welcoming

friendly

haughty

approachable

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Snooty

1. That designer store has snooty employees who ignore you if you’re not dressed well.
2. The snooty critic dismissed the film without even seeing it.
3. The artist’s snooty demeanor makes it hard for people to connect with him.
4. She had a snooty accent that she must have picked up while studying abroad.
5. The snooty hotel guest demanded the best room available.
6. I’ve noticed the book club has become rather snooty since they started focusing on classic literature.
7. That snooty magazine only features the most expensive and exclusive products.
8. His snooty remarks about my car made me feel unwelcome.
9. The snooty receptionist acted like my questions were a waste of her time.
10. At the snooty event, guests bragged about their yachts and vacation homes.
11. She put on a snooty air and refused to associate with anyone she deemed “ordinary”.
12. The cat gave a snooty glance and strutted away when I tried to pet her.
13. My snooty coworker always brags about his Ivy League education.
14. The snooty waiter looked down on diners with disdain.
15. Her snooty remarks about our neighborhood were offensive.
16. The snooty art critic dismissed the exhibit without consideration.
17. The snooty fashion designer scoffed at mainstream trends.
18. His snooty attitude made it hard to collaborate with him.
19. The snooty receptionist gave us a frosty welcome.
20. The snooty neighbor rarely spoke to anyone in the building.
21. The snooty elitist club had strict membership requirements.
22. The snooty customer treated the salesperson with disdain.
23. Overcoming a snooty mindset requires humility and empathy.