What does snivel mean?
To snivel is to cry, complain, or speak with a trembling, nasal voice. The word often describes the particular sound made by someone with a runny nose or by a child who is frightened, sad, or seeking attention. It may also carry a mildly contemptuous implication when applied to an adult who complains or behaves tearfully, especially in British English. Although “sniffle” can describe noisy nasal breathing, “snivel” usually conveys a more emotional or tearful quality. The related noun refers to the act or sound of crying in this way. In everyday use, the word is vivid but somewhat dismissive, so it is often more natural in informal speech, fiction, or humorous description than in formal writing.
To cry or complain in a nasal, trembling voice; to make a whimpering or sniffling sound.
"She snivelled and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand."
Informal; often used of children and sometimes contemptuous of adults.
The act or sound of crying, complaining, or speaking in a nasal, trembling manner.
"The classroom was filled with the soft snivel of the youngest pupils."
Now uncommon and generally informal, with a somewhat dismissive tone.
Rare; the behavior is normally expressed with the uncountable form “snivelling” or “sniveling.”
"The child's sudden snivels made everyone in the room turn around."
Snivelling is crying with a blocked-up nose: the sound combines sniffles, tears, and a distinctive nasal complaint.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does snivel come from?
The word is recorded in Middle English in forms resembling the modern spelling and in senses associated with nasal crying or snuffling. Its development preserved both the physical sound of breathing through the nose or a runny nose and the figurative sense of crying or complaining in a nasal, feeble manner.
Related word forms
How snivel is actually used
The word is informal and can sound contemptuous when used about an adult, suggesting childish or excessively tearful behavior. It is also used more literally for someone crying with a cold or nasal congestion.
Easily confused with snivel
To sniffle is to breathe noisily through the nose, often because of a cold, whereas to snivel usually implies crying or speaking in a nasal, tearful, or complaining manner.