snappy

American  

[snap-ee] / ˈsnæp i /

adjective

snappier, snappiest

1. apt to snap or bite; snappish, as a dog.

2. impatient or irritable, as a person or a reply.

3. snapping or crackling in sound, as a fire.

4. quick or sudden in action or performance.

5. Informal. crisp, smart, lively, brisk, etc..

   Only snappy people get ahead in this world.

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idioms

1. make it snappy, to speed up; hurry.

snappy British  

/ ˈsnæpɪ /

adjective

1. Also: snappish.  apt to speak sharply or irritably

2. Also: snappish.  apt to snap or bite

3. crackling in sound

   a snappy fire

4. brisk, sharp, or chilly

   a snappy pace

   snappy weather

5. smart and fashionable

   a snappy dresser

6. slang be quick! hurry up!

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snappy More Idioms  

1. see under make haste.

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Other Word Forms

• snappily adverb
• snappiness noun

Etymology

Origin of snappy

First recorded in 1740–50; snap + -y ¹

Example Sentences

"I'll be snappy with them when it absolutely isn't their fault."

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

The reasons go well beyond just high gas prices: They’re low maintenance, and so snappy to drive that even the cheaper models make the average gas car feel sluggish.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

The episodes are snappy, at around 30 minutes each, and the tone of “Vladimir” often leans more funny than serious.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

Otherwise, I'm just going to be snappy with the people around me.

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

“But I can’t just ignore the coloring. If I wait a span or two, some young lord will pay just for the snappy look of him.”

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss