sniffy

[ snif-ee ]

adjective

, Informal.

, snif·fi·er, snif·fi·est.

1. inclined to sniff, as in scorn; disdainful; supercilious:

   He was very sniffy about breaches of etiquette.

sniffy

/ ˈsnɪfɪ /

adjective

1. informal.
   contemptuous or disdainful

Derived Forms

• ˈsniffily, adverb
• ˈsniffiness, noun

Other Words From

• sniffi·ly adverb
• sniffi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sniffy¹

First recorded in 1865–70; sniff + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Then when Amy was so sniffy—excuse me, Amy—about having boys in the party, why, I had to promise not to tell.

From Project Gutenberg

Bearded sniffy old men sitting and demanding that we bear children.

From Project Gutenberg

This you will find obscure, but study it well—though strictly in private, so as not to give me away as a sniffy critic.

From Project Gutenberg

At Oxford, you know, they are a bit sniffy about the lecturers who arouse enthusiasm.

From Project Gutenberg

If she thinks people are unkind to Daisy or sniffy about her, she'll stick to her like a leech.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• aloof
• bossy
• cavalier
• cocky
• haughty
• imperious
• pompous
• presumptuous
• pretentious
• smug
• vain