What does snivelling mean?
Snivelling means crying in a noisy, sniffling way, especially while the nose is runny. It can describe an ordinary physical reaction, as when a child cries with a cold, but it also has a figurative sense: to complain or whine in a way perceived as self-pitying or overly sensitive. The word is often mildly critical or humorous, making it suitable for informal descriptions of both children's tears and adults' grievances. A person who snivels may make repeated sniffing sounds between sobs, which distinguishes the action from ordinary, composed crying. In contemporary British English, "snivelling" is the standard spelling, while American English more often uses "sniveling." Its figurative meaning should be used carefully because it can dismiss another person's genuine distress as mere fussing.
verbTo cry with a runny or blocked nose, often making sniffing sounds. Figuratively, it means to complain or whine in a self-pitying manner.
- To cry noisily through the nose, usually because of a cold or sadness.
- To complain or whine in a self-pitying or excessively sensitive way.
"The child began snivelling after scraping his knee."
"He was snivelling into a tissue because his hay fever was so bad."
"Stop snivelling about the arrangement and ask for what you actually want."
Snivelling is the sound of tears arriving with a sniff.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does snivelling come from?
Snivelling is the present participle of the English verb "snivel." The base verb dates from Middle English and originally referred to crying or emitting nasal sounds; the precise origin of its older Germanic sources is uncertain. The present form has long been used both literally and figuratively for noisy crying and self-pitying complaint.
How snivelling is actually used
The form is especially common in British English; American English usually spells it "sniveling." Figurative use often conveys impatience with someone's complaining or excessive sensitivity.