snippy

[ snip-ee ]

adjective

, snip·pi·er, snip·pi·est.

1. sharp or curt, especially in a supercilious or haughty way; impertinent.
2. scrappy or fragmentary.

snippy

/ ˈsnɪpɪ /

adjective

1. scrappy; fragmentary
2. informal.
   fault-finding
3. dialect.
   mean; stingy

Derived Forms

• ˈsnippily, adverb
• ˈsnippiness, noun

Other Words From

• snippi·ly adverb
• snippi·ness snippet·i·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of snippy¹

First recorded in 1720–30; snip + -y ¹

Example Sentences

But that is Louise all over: snippy and skittery, though always first with the news, whether she understands a word of it or not.

From Literature

“My personality changes. I get very short tempered, and I get very judgmental. I’m quick to be snippy,” she said.

From Seattle Times

Despite my friend’s snippy comment, I did not move to Los Angeles so I would never have to worry about the weather.

From Los Angeles Times

And when critics started pushing back, Hogan got snippy.

From Washington Post

Every time I asked about their arrangements so I could request vacation time, she got snippy with me, so I let it go.

From Washington Post