schnoz: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Humorous, Slang
Quick answer
What does “schnoz” mean?
A large or prominent nose.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large or prominent nose.
A humorous or informal term for the nose, often implying it is large, distinctive, or the focus of attention.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties but is more commonly used in American English, likely due to greater historical exposure to Yiddish influences.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries the same humorous, informal connotation. It is not considered vulgar.
Frequency
Significantly more frequent in American English. In British English, it may be perceived as a distinctly Americanism or a dated comedic term.
Grammar
How to Use “schnoz” in a Sentence
He has a [adjective] schnoz.Watch where you're putting your schnoz!I broke my schnoz.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “schnoz” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He managed to schnoz his way into the private party.
- Stop schnozzing around in my business!
American English
- He tried to schnoz the ball with his face.
- Don't schnoz into other people's conversations.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Never used.
Everyday
Used in casual, humorous conversation among friends or family.
Technical
Never used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “schnoz”
- Misspelling as 'schnozz', 'shnoz', or 'schnoze'.
- Using it in a formal context.
- Using it with malicious intent, which contradicts its inherent affectionate humour.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is generally not offensive. It is informal and humorous, often used affectionately. However, like any word describing a physical feature, context and intent matter.
It comes from Yiddish 'shnoits', meaning 'snout', which itself derives from German 'Schnauze' (snout, muzzle).
They are variants meaning the same thing. 'Schnozzle' is perhaps even more informal and less common. The comedian Jimmy Durante popularised 'schnozzola'.
Very rarely and informally. As a verb, it can mean to nose around, pry, or hit with the nose. This usage is non-standard and highly colloquial.
A large or prominent nose.
Schnoz is usually informal, humorous, slang in register.
Schnoz: in British English it is pronounced /ʃnɒz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃnɑːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On the schnoz (directly on the nose)”
- “Follow your schnoz (follow your instinct, akin to 'follow your nose')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SCHNauzer dog with a big, prominent NOSE. SCHN + NOZ = SCHNOZ.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE NOSE IS A DISTINCTIVE OBJECT/TOOL (often exaggerated for comic effect).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'schnoz' be MOST appropriate?