SNIFFS AT Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "sniffs at" refers to the act of inhaling or smelling something with a disdainful or skeptical attitude. It suggests a subtle gesture or action, often accompanied by a brief and delicate inhalation through the nose. This expression implies a sniffing motion that conveys a sense of skepticism, criticism, or disapproval towards the object or situation being smelled.
When someone "sniffs at" something, they are typically exhibiting a nonverbal reaction that signifies their dissatisfaction, doubt, or lack of interest. This action is often seen as a dismissive or haughty response, as if the person is metaphorically sniffing at an unpleasant odor. The connotation of this phrase reflects an air of superiority, judgment, or arrogance towards what is being sniffed.
"Sniffs at" is commonly used when describing a person's disdain or cautiosness towards new ideas, suggestions, or proposals. It can also refer to a person's reaction to certain odors, flavors, or scents that they find unappealing or questionable. Furthermore, this phrase can describe an individual's figurative act of internally assessing or evaluating something but revealing skepticism or unenthusiasm.
Overall, "sniffs at" captures a specific gesture and the attitude behind it, characterizing an individual's act of inhaling or smelling something with a disdainful or doubtful outlook. It serves as a nonverbal expression of skepticism, criticism, or disapproval.
Common Misspellings for SNIFFS AT
- aniffs at
- zniffs at
- xniffs at
- dniffs at
- eniffs at
- wniffs at
- sbiffs at
- smiffs at
- sjiffs at
- shiffs at
- snuffs at
- snjffs at
- snkffs at
- snoffs at
- sn9ffs at
- sn8ffs at
- snidfs at
- snicfs at
- snivfs at
- snigfs at
Etymology of SNIFFS AT
The word "sniffs" is derived from the Middle English word "snifflen" or "snivelen", which meant "to breathe through the nose with a quick, audible inhalation". These Middle English terms are believed to be cognates of the Low German word "snüfeln", meaning "to sniff". The addition of the preposition "at" creates the phrase "sniffs at", indicating the action of inhaling or sniffing something in a disdainful or contemptuous manner.
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