snip
B1Informal, but acceptable in semi-formal contexts (e.g., crafting, tailoring). The 'bargain' sense is colloquial.
Definition
Meaning
To cut something quickly and sharply with scissors or shears, making a short, clean cut.
A small, quick cut; a bargain (informal, especially British); a small piece cut off; a snippet of information.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb implies precision, speed, and a degree of finality. The noun 'snip' can refer to the act, the sound, or the resulting piece. The informal 'bargain' sense derives from the idea of 'cutting' the price.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun meaning 'a bargain' is predominantly British. The verb and other noun senses are used in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'snip' connotes neatness and efficiency. The British 'bargain' sense has positive, thrifty connotations.
Frequency
Overall frequency is similar. The 'bargain' sense increases the word's frequency in British informal commerce contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] snip [Object] (e.g., She snipped the thread.)[Subject] snip [Object] [Adverbial Particle] (e.g., Snip off the dead leaves.)[Subject] snip [Prepositional Phrase] (e.g., He snipped at the loose ends.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Snip, snap! (childish expression for something done quickly)”
- “A snip at (the price) (BrE: a bargain)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in BrE informal sales: 'The sofa was a snip at £200.'
Academic
Very rare in core academic writing. May appear in texts on crafts, biology (dissection), or media ('sound snips').
Everyday
Common in contexts of haircuts, gardening, sewing, and crafting.
Technical
Used in hairdressing, tailoring, horticulture, and film/audio editing (to refer to a short clip).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Could you snip this tag off for me?
- She snipped a coupon from the magazine.
- The gardener snipped the hedge into shape.
American English
- Just snip the ribbon to open the exhibit.
- I need to snip the ends of my hair.
- He snipped the wire with a pair of pliers.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used as a true adverb. Typically part of a phrasal verb like 'cut snip'.)
American English
- (Rarely used as a true adverb. Typically part of a phrasal verb.)
adjective
British English
- It was a snip purchase at the car boot sale. (informal, derived)
- The snip sound was satisfying. (attributive use of noun)
American English
- The snip cut was clean and precise. (attributive use of noun)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The hairdresser will snip a little off the top.
- I heard a snip from the kitchen.
- Use these scissors to snip the herbs finely.
- At fifty pounds, the jacket was a real snip.
- The editor asked me to snip ten seconds from the interview clip.
- With a few strategic snips, she transformed the old dress.
- The surgeon made a precise snip in the membrane.
- Political analysts were trading snips of unverified information.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the sound 'snip!' - it's the short, sharp sound scissors make, which is the word's core action.
Conceptual Metaphor
REMOVAL/SEPARATION IS CUTTING (e.g., 'snip away the excess'), BARGAINS ARE CUT-PRICE ITEMS (BrE).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'snap' (ломать с треском). 'Snip' is specifically for cutting with blades. The BrE 'bargain' sense has no direct single-word equivalent; use 'выгодная покупка' or 'дешевка' (colloquial).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'snip' for tearing or breaking (it requires a cutting tool).
- Overusing the BrE 'bargain' sense in AmE contexts where it sounds odd.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'snip' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, but it can be used with any sharp tool that makes a clean, quick cut (e.g., shears, clippers, wire cutters).
It typically implies a small, quick action. For large-scale cutting, words like 'cut,' 'chop,' or 'saw' are more appropriate.
It's a British informal noun, often in the structure 'a snip at + price' (e.g., 'These shoes were a snip at twenty quid.') Avoid this in formal American English.
They are very close synonyms. 'Snip' often emphasizes the action and sound of a single cut. 'Clip' can imply a series of small cuts or attaching (as in a paperclip). In gardening, 'clip' is often used for hedges.