sneak etymology

Etymology of "Sneak"

The word "sneak" originates from the Middle English term "sneke," which means "to go out in a sly or stealthy manner." This term likely derives from the Proto-Germanic root *snik-, which means "to creep or crawl."

Meaning of "Sneak"

"Sneak" has several meanings, including:

• To move or act in a secretive or furtive manner:
  • "He sneaked into the room without anyone noticing."
• To obtain something dishonestly or surreptitiously:
  • "She's a sneak thief; she stole my watch without me realizing."
• To inform on or betray someone:
  • "I can't trust him; he's always sneaking on people."
• (Noun) A person who behaves in a secretive or sneaky manner:
  • "He's such a sneak; he's always trying to get ahead by cheating."

Origin of "Sneak"

The word "sneak" has been used in English since the 13th century. It became more common in the 16th century, when it was used to describe thieves and other criminals who operated in a sneaky manner. The term has also been used to describe people who are untrustworthy or dishonest.

In the 19th century, "sneak" began to be used in sports to describe a player who uses unfair or unethical tactics to gain an advantage. This usage of the term is still common today.

sneak relate terms

• snake

  Etymology Old English snaca Proto Germanic snakô Proto Indo European sneh₂ǵ Me

• serpent

  Etymology The word serpent comes from the Latin word serpens which means creeping a

• adder

  Etymology Old English æddre from Proto Germanic addri from Proto Indo European h₂

• sneaker

  Etymology The word sneaker is derived from the verb sneak which means to move steal

• sneak

  Etymology of Sneak The word sneak originates from the Middle English term sneke wh

• Plimsoll

  Etymology and Origin The term plimsoll comes from the name of Samuel Plimsoll 1824 189

• tacky

  Etymology The word tacky is derived from the Dutch word takig which means sticky

• mouse

  Etymology The word mouse descends from Proto Germanic mūs itself from Proto Indo Eur

• slip

  Etymology The word slip is derived from the Middle English word slipen which in tur

• cabbage

  Etymology Middle English cabach cabage Old North French caboche cabuige Late Latin

• leery

  Etymology Middle English leery from Old English lærig meaning empty or hollow

• slick

  Etymology Middle Dutch slik smooth sleek Proto Germanic slikkaz Proto Indo Europ

• jerry built

  Etymology The term jerrybuilt is derived from the name Jerry which was a common nic

• smuggler

  Etymology The word smuggler is derived from the Middle Dutch word smuggelen meaning

• fink

  Etymology The word fink has two distinct origins German From the Middle High Germ

• canary

  Etymology The word canary comes from the Canary Islands a group of islands in the Atl

• interloper

  Etymology Origin Late Middle English as an agent noun from Old French entrelouper or