snotty-nosed
Adjective: 1. Rude and disrespectful in a childish or arrogant way: Describes a person, especially a young one, who displays an insolent, impudent, or contemptuous attitude. 2. Literally having a runny nose: Describes a child whose nose is running with mucus. This literal meaning often informs the figurative sense, implying someone who is immature, unclean, or annoyingly childish.
Adjective (Figurative - Disrespectful):
- The snotty-nosed kid told the teacher her lesson was boring.
- I won't be spoken to by some snotty-nosed intern.
- He gave a snotty-nosed reply when asked for help.
Adjective (Literal - Physical):
- The snotty-nosed toddler needed a tissue.
- Keep those snotty-nosed children away from the food.
The term is almost always derogatory and informal. The figurative use combines the literal image of an unkempt, runny-nosed child with the behavior of someone who is insolent and thinks too highly of themselves. It strongly implies that the person's disrespect stems from immaturity, a lack of experience, or an inflated sense of self-importance that is not justified.
- Snotty (adj.): The more common short form, carrying the same figurative meanings of arrogant contempt and rudeness. (e.g., ).
- Snot-nosed (adj.): A direct variant with identical meaning and usage to "snotty-nosed".
- Impudent: Marked by offensive boldness.
- Insolent: Showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect.
- Flippant: Not showing a serious or respectful attitude.
- Cheeky (chiefly British): Impudent or irreverent, often in an amusing way.
- Disrespectful: Lacking courtesy or respect.
- To have a snotty attitude: To consistently behave in a contemptuous or arrogant manner.
- Ever since he got promoted, he's had a really snotty attitude.
- marked by casual disrespect
- a flip answer to serious question
- the student was kept in for impudent behavior