Definition

Adjective: 1. (British informal) Ill-tempered or annoyed: Describes a person who is in a bad mood, irritable, or showing signs of being displeased or cross.

Usage

• This word is primarily used in British informal contexts.
• It describes a temporary state of irritation or a generally grumpy disposition.
• It is often used in a mildly humorous or descriptive way rather than in formal criticism.

Examples

• "Don't bother him right now, he's feeling a bit snorty after that meeting."
• "She gets rather snorty if her morning coffee is delayed."
• "The old man next door is a lovely fellow, but he can be quite snorty before lunch."

Advanced Usage

• The word can imply that the person's annoyance is being expressed through short, dismissive, or grunting sounds or mannerisms, akin to a snort.

Variants and Related Words

• Snort (verb/noun): To make a rough sound by forcing air through the nose, often to express contempt or amusement. This is the root word from which "snorty" is derived, implying the behavior of a snorty person.
• Snortily (adverb, rare): In a snorty manner.

Synonyms

• Grumpy
• Irritable
• Annoyed
• Cross
• Testy
• Cantankerous (for a more permanent disposition)

Antonyms

• Cheerful
• Good-humoured
• Pleasant
• Amiable

Adjective

1. (British informal) ill-tempered or annoyed