What does snowflake mean?
A snowflake is an individual crystal of ice that forms from water vapor in the atmosphere and falls as snow. The word is especially evocative because each crystal develops intricate, often six-sided structures as it freezes, though not every snowflake has exactly the same shape. In figurative use, “snowflake” describes a person regarded as unusually delicate, sensitive, or politically vulnerable. This meaning is commonly dismissive and may imply that someone reacts strongly to criticism or avoids conflict. In ordinary conversation, however, the word usually refers to the beautiful, delicate physical crystals, making it a common subject in descriptions of winter weather, children’s wonder, and seasonal imagery.
A small, individual crystal of ice that forms from water vapor in the atmosphere and falls as snow.
"The microscope revealed the delicate structure of the snowflake."
In its literal sense, “snowflake” is a countable noun and is commonly used in weather descriptions and educational contexts.
A person considered especially sensitive, delicate, or politically fragile.
"Critics dismissed the proposal as the work of political snowflakes."
This figurative sense is informal and generally dismissive. It may carry a political or ideological implication and can be used insultingly.
The usual plural is “snowflakes.”
"Snowflakes drifted across the frozen lake."
A snowflake may look simple, but its microscopic ice crystals form intricate patterns that can help reveal how the surrounding air was moving.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does snowflake come from?
The word is a compound of “snow” and “flake,” both of Germanic in origin. The compound appeared in English during the early modern period, initially referring to a small piece or crystal of snow. Its modern literal meaning developed from the older general sense of a flake, a small thin piece or fragment. The metaphorical political sense is much later and emerged from twentieth-century social and political discourse.
Related word forms
How snowflake is actually used
The literal sense is standard in meteorology and everyday language. The figurative sense is informal and often dismissive, implying that someone is overly sensitive or unwilling to withstand disagreement; its use can be perceived as insulting or politically inflammatory.