snivel

American  

[sniv-uhl] / ˈsnɪv əl /

verb (used without object)

sniveled, sniveling, snivelled, snivelling

1. to weep or cry with sniffling.

2. to affect a tearful state; whine.

3. to run at the nose; have a runny nose.

   She sniveled from the cold.

4. to draw up mucus audibly through the nose.

   Stop sniveling and use your handkerchief.

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verb (used with object)

sniveled, sniveling, snivelled, snivelling

1. to utter with sniveling or sniffling.

noun

1. weak, whining, or pretended weeping.

2. a light sniffle, as in weeping.

3. a hypocritical show of feeling.

   a sentimental snivel.

4. mucus running from the nose.

5. (the) snivels, a sniveling condition; a slight cold; the sniffles.

snivel British  

/ ˈsnɪvəl /

verb

1. (intr) to sniffle as a sign of distress, esp contemptibly

2. to utter (something) tearfully; whine

3. (intr) to have a runny nose

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noun

1. an instance of snivelling

Other Word Forms

• sniveler noun
• sniveller noun
• snivelling adjective
• snivelly adjective

Etymology

Origin of snivel

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English snyvele; compare Old English snyflung “sniveling,” derivative of snofl “mucus”; cognate with Low German snüfeln

Explanation

Sometimes, when you really want something, you might resort to whining and blubbering to get it — in other words, you'll snivel. It's never pretty, so try to keep your dignity, and don't snivel! If you want a real picture of the verb snivel, consider that the meaning of the assumed Old English word snyflan meant "to run at the nose, to sniffle." Even worse, that was derived from snofl, or "mucus." Pretty picture, eh? The word came to mean "be tearful," and it suggested someone who was weak or nasty. Today it is often used in its adjective form, sniveling, followed by a contemptuous noun like "coward."

Example Sentences

And I whine a little bit and moan and snivel, and that works.

From New York Times • Jun. 28, 2021

Deny your partner a Facebook or Twitter account if you want, but don't snivel when people are swirling their fingers round their ears at talk of your name.

From The Guardian • Jul. 8, 2011

It is a question of audience psychology, of knowing what will make the playgoing mass guffaw, snivel, clap its hands.

From Time Magazine Archive

The Yorkshire Post declared: "Drivel and snivel, in days of challenge and strain, may almost be classed as a minor form of Fifth Column activity."

From Time Magazine Archive

I snivel and sniff and give a weak nod.

From "The Queen of Water" by Laura Resau