What does snip mean?
A snip is a small cut, clipping, or piece, and to snip something is to remove or trim it with scissors or shears. The word suggests a quick, precise cut rather than a substantial division. A snip can also stand for a very small portion of something: a person might have a snip of sarcasm in their voice or take a snip from the remaining fabric. In informal conversation, the verb can mean to interrupt someone sharply or dismiss their remark curtly, as in “he snipped her off.” These figurative uses carry a somewhat dismissive tone. Although the literal action is simple, the word is useful because it evokes both delicacy and economy: a snip removes only a little, but it can remove it decisively.
A small piece or amount removed from a larger whole, or a small cut made with scissors or shears.
"She cut off a small snip of the ribbon."
In figurative use, the phrase “a snip of” can mean a very small portion of an abstract quality, such as irony or amusement.
To cut or remove something with scissors or shears, especially by making a small, precise cut.
"He snipped the packaging open with the side of his scissors."
The informal sense “to interrupt or dismiss someone abruptly” is usually used of speech, conversations, or contributions.
The plural is used for multiple small pieces, clippings, or precise cuts.
"The tailor discarded the loose threads and tiny snips of fabric."
A snip began as a precise cutting action, but the word can now cut off a conversation just as effectively as it clips a thread.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does snip come from?
The verb dates from the late 16th century and is generally traced to a Low German source meaning “to cut” or “to clip,” with a cognate in Dutch and a related form in German. Its earliest sense referred to cutting hair or cloth with shears. English later developed the noun for the small piece or clipping produced by such a cut, while figurative senses for small portions and abrupt interruptions followed.
Related word forms
How snip is actually used
The basic cutting sense is neutral and common in British and American English. The sense meaning to interrupt or dismiss someone curtly is informal and is especially associated with speech or conversation.
Easily confused with snip
A snip is usually made with scissors or shears, whereas a nip is a quick, slight bite or pinch.
A snip is the action or the small piece removed, while a snippet is a short excerpt or fragment of text, speech, or information.