What does snubby mean?
Snubby is an informal adjective for something short, broad, and blunt rather than tapering to a point. It is most often used of a nose or muzzle: a snubby nose is short and broad at the front, and the word can also describe any compact shape that ends abruptly. Because it draws attention to bluntness, snubby often carries a mild humorous or affectionate tone, especially when describing someone's face. In more technical contexts, it may characterize an object with a short, blunt end, such as a pipe or tool. The adjective is formed from snub with the suffix -y, linking it to the older idea of shortening or truncating something. Though not formal dictionary diction, snubby is useful because it distinguishes a particular kind of blunt shape from a generally small one: stubby focuses on short, stocky proportions, whereas snubby focuses on a short, broad end. It appears in informal British and American English.
adjectiveShort, broad, and blunt rather than pointed, especially of a nose, muzzle, or similarly shaped object.
- Short, broad, and blunt rather than pointed, especially of a nose or muzzle.
"The boxer had a broad, snubby face and a surprisingly gentle manner."
"The boxer had a broad, snubby face and a surprisingly gentle manner."
"The mechanic held a snubby length of pipe beside the engine."
A snubby nose is literally a shortened or truncated one: the word reaches back through snub to Old Norse words for trimming or cutting short.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does snubby come from?
The adjective was formed in English from snub with the suffix -y during the 19th century, developing the sense 'short and blunt.' Snub itself comes through Middle English from Old Norse forms associated with trimming, shortening, or checking. The modern adjective thus reflects a development from the general idea of making or being short to a specific description of a blunt, broad shape.
Related word forms
How snubby is actually used
Informal and sometimes humorous or affectionate, especially when describing a person's face. It may also characterize a compact object with a short, blunt end.
Easily confused with snubby
Stubby describes something short and thick, whereas snubby emphasizes a blunt or broad end, especially of a nose or muzzle.