snapper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Semi-formal to informal, depending on context. Technical in marine biology, slang when referring to a photographer.
Quick answer
What does “snapper” mean?
A type of medium-sized marine fish, often brightly coloured and valued as food.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of medium-sized marine fish, often brightly coloured and valued as food.
A person or thing that snaps; particularly a photographer (informal). Also, a snapping turtle (informal).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The fish term is universal in Anglophone regions with relevant fisheries. 'Red snapper' is a well-known culinary term in both. The informal use for 'photographer' is more common in US informal contexts (e.g., 'paparazzi snapper'). 'Snapper' for 'snapping turtle' is primarily North American informal.
Connotations
In culinary contexts, positive connotations of a desirable fish. Informal photographer use can be slightly dismissive or jocular.
Frequency
In the UK, the term is most frequent in seafood/fishing contexts. In the US, it may also be heard informally for a photographer.
Grammar
How to Use “snapper” in a Sentence
[Adj] snapper[V] a snappersnapper [Prep] [NP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the seafood import/restaurant trade: 'We've secured a shipment of fresh snapper.'
Academic
In marine biology texts: 'The Lutjanidae family, commonly known as snappers, comprises over 100 species.'
Everyday
Discussing dinner: 'Let's have the grilled snapper with lemon.' Or, informally: 'He works as a snapper for the local paper.'
Technical
Fisheries management: 'The snapper population quota has been adjusted for the season.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “snapper”
- Using 'snapper' as a general term for any fish (it is specific).
- Confusing 'snapper' (fish) with 'snapper' on a leash/clothing (which is a 'snap fastener' or 'popper').
- Misspelling as 'snapor'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Its primary meaning is a fish, but it can informally mean a photographer (from snapping a picture) or, in North America, a snapping turtle.
The red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) is the most well-known, prized in cooking, especially in the Gulf of Mexico and the Southeastern US.
No, 'snapper' is a noun. The related verb is 'to snap'.
When referring to the fish in a biological or culinary context, it is standard. When referring to a photographer, it is informal/slang.
A type of medium-sized marine fish, often brightly coloured and valued as food.
Snapper: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsnæpə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsnæpər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Quick as a snapper (rare, regional)”
- “A red snapper deal (slang, meaning a good deal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SNAPPy fish that SNAPS at bait, or a photographer who SNAPS pictures.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SNAPPER is something that performs a quick, sharp action (snapping jaws, snapping a shutter).
Practice
Quiz
In informal American English, a 'snapper' can also refer to: