What does snoot mean?
Snoot is an informal word chiefly used in American English for a person's nose. It can appear in lighthearted or teasing descriptions, as when a celebrity is said to have a distinctive snoot, but it can also sound mocking or derogatory when used about a person or in the verb sense. The verb snoot means to show contempt or displeasure, often in a conspicuously dismissive way. Although snout is related and can also refer to an animal's muzzle, snoot is broader and is particularly associated with the nose of a person. The word is more conversational and characterful than the neutral term nose, making it useful in humorous writing but less suitable for formal or sensitive contexts.
A person's nose, especially when referred to in a humorous, familiar, or derogatory manner.
"The comedian's sharp comments about the politician's snoot were widely shared online."
Informal and chiefly American. The tone ranges from playful and teasing to insulting, depending on context.
A person considered contemptible, unpleasant, or foolish.
"He refused to speak to the snoot after the argument."
Derogatory and informal; more common in older or deliberately disparaging usage than in current neutral speech.
To express contempt or displeasure toward someone, especially by raising the nose or acting dismissively.
"She snooted his suggestion and continued reading."
Informal, chiefly American, and usually dismissive or contemptuous.
Used for multiple noses or, in the derogatory noun sense, multiple people considered contemptible.
"The children wiped their snoots after playing outside."
Snoot began as an alternative spelling of snout but became especially associated with teasing, celebrity gossip, and the mildly rude humor of American slang.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does snoot come from?
Snoot developed as an English variant of snout. Snout comes from Old English snūte, meaning a nose or muzzle, and the alternative form snoot became established chiefly in informal American English. The modern contemptuous senses developed from treating someone as a person who is disliked or held in contempt.
How snoot is actually used
Snoot is informal and chiefly associated with American English. Its use for a nose can be playful or affectionate, while its use for a person and the verb generally carry a dismissive or contemptuous connotation.
Easily confused with snoot
Snout usually denotes an animal's projecting muzzle, whereas snoot is used more broadly for a person's nose and often has a humorous or disparaging tone.