sniffy
Adjective: 1. Showing disdain or contempt; scornful: Expressing a feeling of superiority and looking down upon someone or something considered inferior or unworthy. 2. (Archaic/informal) Having a slight, often unpleasant smell: This meaning is less common in modern usage but historically refers to something having an odor.
The adjective "sniffy" is primarily used to describe a person's attitude, behavior, or expression. It conveys a sense of haughty disapproval or contemptuous disregard. It is often used in informal or conversational contexts.
- The art critic was sniffy about the new exhibition, calling it amateurish.
- She gave a sniffy reply when asked about the popular television show.
- He's always been sniffy towards people who haven't been to university.
- "to be sniffy about something": This is the most common construction, indicating disdain directed at a specific thing.
- The old guard was rather sniffy about the company's modern marketing techniques.
- "in a sniffy manner/voice/tone": Used to describe the specific quality of an action or communication.
- "I suppose it will do," she said in a sniffy tone.
- Sniffily (adverb): In a disdainful or contemptuous manner.
- He sniffily dismissed the suggestion.
- Sniffiness (noun, informal): The quality of being sniffy.
- Her constant sniffiness made her difficult to work with.
- Disdainful: Showing that someone or something is considered unworthy.
- Contemptuous: Feeling or expressing deep hatred or disapproval.
- Supercilious: Behaving as if you are better than other people.
- Haughty: Unfriendly and seeming to consider yourself better than other people.
- Snobbish: Like a snob; condescending.
- Humble: Not proud or not believing that you are important.
- Respectful: Showing admiration for someone or something.
- Approving: Showing that you have a positive opinion of someone or something.
"Sniffy" originates from the verb "sniff," imitating the act of sniffing in disdain or to detect a smell. The figurative sense of showing contempt by an upturned nose or a dismissive sniff became the dominant meaning. The literal sense related to odor is now rare.
- having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy
- some economists are disdainful of their colleagues in other social disciplines
- haughty aristocrats
- his lordly manners were offensive
- walked with a prideful swagger
- very sniffy about breaches of etiquette
- his mother eyed my clothes with a supercilious air
- a more swaggering mood than usual- W.L.Shirer