What does snaffled mean?
To snaffle something is to seize, grab, or take it quickly, usually before someone else can get it. The word has an informal, playful, and slightly mischievous quality, so it may describe an innocent contest for the last biscuit as readily as the unauthorized taking of a possession. It can also mean to steal something, though usually with a humorous or exaggerated implication rather than in a solemn legal context. A person who snaffles an object has acted quickly and assertively; when used figuratively, “snaffle attention” means to capture and hold someone’s interest. The past tense and past participle form, snaffled, is more common in everyday speech than the base verb snaffle.
Quickly grabbed, seized, or took possession of something.
"He snaffled the remote control before the programme began."
Informal; often humorous or mildly mischievous.
Informally stole or appropriated something.
"Someone snaffled my cycling helmet while I was in the café."
This sense usually carries a light or humorous tone.
To snaffle something is to grab it quickly—often before anyone else has a chance to object.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does snaffled come from?
The exact origin of snaffle and its past form snaffled is uncertain. The verb appears in informal British usage and is related in sound and spelling to snaffle, a word also associated with taking or grabbing. Its playful, informal character has made it especially common in speech and humorous writing.
Related word forms
How snaffled is actually used
Informal and especially associated with British English. It often has a humorous or mildly mischievous tone and can suggest taking something without permission.
Easily confused with snaffled
Snaffled means grabbed or took possession of something, whereas sniffled means cried with a runny nose.