snotty

American  

[snot-ee] / ˈsnɒt i /

adjective

snottier, snottiest

1. Vulgar. of or relating to snot.

2. Informal. snobbish; arrogant; supercilious.

   a snotty kid.

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snotty British  

/ ˈsnɒtɪ /

adjective

1. dirty with nasal discharge

2. slang contemptible; nasty

3. snobbish; conceited

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noun

1. a slang word for midshipman

Other Word Forms

• snottily
  adverb
• snottiness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of snotty

First recorded in 1560–70; snot + -y ¹

Explanation

When someone is arrogant or stuck-up, you might describe them as snotty. You'll get in trouble if you answer your teacher's question in a snotty voice. If you're new at school, you may imagine there will be snotty kids who won't let you sit with them at lunch—it'll be a pleasant surprise when they turn out to be friendly and welcoming. Snotty can also mean "clogged with mucus," like a crying toddler's snotty nose. This sniffly meaning was first recorded in the 1560s, while the "snobby" one came along almost three hundred years later.

Example Sentences

Snotty clerk: “These have nary a blemish: Hand-stitched handkerchiefs, sewn by the Rhemish!”

From Washington Post • Sep. 3, 2020

By his side is a small dog he calls Snotty.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2020

Snotty tissues are stuffed down her pants and littering the floor.

From New York Times • Nov. 28, 2017

Snotty, perhaps, but Off! are a thrilling, brutal experience, especially live.

From The Guardian • Jul. 5, 2012

"And also," Momly added, "Tony, you know me better than that. There's nothing I love more than a snotty nose. Snotty or not."

From "Patina" by Jason Reynolds