What does snotty mean?
Snotty is an informal adjective with several overlapping meanings. Its most common use is to describe someone who is rude, insolent, or annoyingly self-important, as in a snotty remark or a snotty child. It can also describe a person with a runny or mucus-filled nose, and less commonly mean sulky, irritable, or petulant. The word is found in both British and American English, though British speakers may use it particularly readily for children’s behavior. Its tone is usually dismissive or critical rather than formal, so it is more suited to everyday speech and informal writing than to careful discussion. Snotty is especially memorable because it combines a physical meaning connected with nasal mucus with a behavioral meaning associated with an elevated, provocative attitude. Although the senses are distinct, the same word makes either description feel vivid and slightly humorous.
adjectiveSnotty means rude, insolent, or annoyingly self-important. It can also describe someone with nasal mucus or a runny nose, and, in informal use, someone who is sulky or petulant.
- Rude, insolent, or self-important in manner.
- Having or producing nasal mucus; runny-nosed.
- Sulky, irritable, or petulant, especially in an informal or childish register.
"His snotty reply made everyone at the table cringe."
"A snotty teenager dismissed the suggestion without a word."
"Her nose was snotty after the long drive."
One little word carries both a runny nose and a raised chin.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does snotty come from?
Snotty was formed from snot, an Old English word for nasal mucus, with the adjective-forming suffix -y. The adjective is recorded in the 17th century for the sense meaning rude or insolent, while its use for a mucus-filled or runny nose follows directly from its literal formation. Snot and snout are related through a Germanic root associated with the nose or muzzle.
Related word forms
How snotty is actually used
The word is informal in all of its senses. In British English it is especially common for describing a rude or badly behaved child; the nasal and sulky senses are also informal and can sound childish.