What does sniffy mean?
Sniffy means disapproving, suspicious, or self-important in a way that often suggests that a person is being difficult to please. It is especially common in informal British English and can describe either a person's attitude or their response to a proposal, arrangement, or other people. For example, someone may become sniffy about a change of plans or be sniffy with a colleague. The word often carries more criticism than the milder suspicious: it can imply exaggerated fussiness, hauteur, or a desire to keep one's distance. Although its figurative use is much more prominent, sniffy can also have the literal meaning of having a strong or unpleasant smell. This less common sense appears especially in descriptions of odors and atmospheres, giving the word a useful dual character: it can condemn an attitude or characterize a smell.
Showing suspicion, disapproval, or fastidious snobbery; often informally critical of a person, proposal, or arrangement.
"The committee became sniffy about the proposal and asked for further revisions."
Informal and especially common in British English.
Having a strong or unpleasant smell.
"The room was filled with a sniffy, damp smell."
A less common literal sense, especially associated with British usage.
Sniffy can describe an unwelcome smell, but it is better known for turning a raised nose into a sign of disapproval.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sniffy come from?
Sniffy was formed in the early 19th century from sniff with the suffix -y. Its figurative sense developed from the idea of looking down one's nose at something, conveying suspicion or disapproval. The word shares its origin with sniff and forms such as sniffer and sniffing, while later derivatives include sniffily and sniffiness.
Related word forms
How sniffy is actually used
The figurative sense is informal and especially common in British English. It can describe either the cautious suspicion of a person or the self-important disapproval of their attitude.
Easily confused with sniffy
A sniff is the act of drawing air through the nose to smell something, whereas a person described as sniffy is showing suspicion, disapproval, or snobbery.