snivel etymology

Etymology:

  • Middle English: snivelen, sniveling
  • Old English: snot, from the Proto-Germanic *snutaz
  • Indo-European root: sneud-, to flow

Meaning:

  • To sniffle, usually with a runny nose
  • To cry or weep in a feeble or whiny manner
  • To be contemptible or insignificant

Origin:

The word "snivel" comes from the Middle English word "snivelen", which also meant to sniffle or cry. This word is derived from the Old English word "snot", which referred to mucus from the nose. The Old English word "snot" is ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic root snutaz, meaning "to flow". This root is also the origin of the words "snot", "snivel", and "sniffle".

In the 16th century, the word "snivel" began to be used figuratively to mean "to cry or weep in a feeble or whiny manner". By the 17th century, it had also acquired the meaning of "to be contemptible or insignificant".

snivel relate terms

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  • snivel

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  • sneeze

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  • snivel

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  • sniffle

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  • mouth

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  • speak

    Etymology The word speak originates from the Old English word specan which means to

  • weeping

    Etymology The word weeping comes from the Middle English word wepan which in turn co

  • inspire

    Etymology From Middle English insipyre from Anglo Norman French inspirer from Latin i

  • weep

    Etymology The word weep comes from the Middle English word wepen which itself ultim