English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
adjective

snippy

SNIH-pee

Snippy (adjective) means Short-tempered and curt, especially in a slightly condescending way. Example: “She got a bit snippy when I asked her to repeat herself.”

adjective
1
Short-tempered and curt, especially in a slightly condescending way.
"She got a bit snippy when I asked her to repeat herself."

How to use snippy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSharp and irritable in the way you speak to someone.

Common pairings
get snippy a snippy reply sound snippy

Word forms

snippier comparative, snippiest superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “snippy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She got a bit _____ when I asked her to repeat herself.

Etymology

From snip + -y. Compare Saterland Frisian snippig, snippich (“short, brief, blunt”), Dutch snippig (“snippy, shrill”), German Low German snippig (“snippy, snappy”), German schnippisch (“snippy, snappy”).

Rhymes for snippy

See all rhymes for snippy →

Frequently asked questions

What does “snippy” mean?

The word “snippy” means short-tempered and curt, especially in a slightly condescending way. In plain terms, sharp and irritable in the way you speak to someone.

How do you pronounce “snippy”?

“Snippy” is pronounced SNIH-pee (/ˈsnɪpi/ in IPA).

How do you use “snippy” in a sentence?

Here is “snippy” used in a sentence: “She got a bit snippy when I asked her to repeat herself.”

What part of speech is “snippy”?

“Snippy” is an adjective.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial · etymology from Wiktionary