snips: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical, Informal
Quick answer
What does “snips” mean?
A tool consisting of two crossed, pivoting blades used for cutting sheet metal or wire.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tool consisting of two crossed, pivoting blades used for cutting sheet metal or wire.
1. The act of cutting something quickly or decisively with scissors or shears. 2. (Informal) A small, insignificant person or thing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The tool may be more specifically called 'tin snips' in American English contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, the informal use meaning 'a small thing/person' can be slightly dismissive or affectionate, depending on context.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English in technical/DIY contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “snips” in a Sentence
SUBJ(agent) + snip + OBJ(material) + ADV(with-tool)SUBJ(tool) + snip + OBJ(material) + ADV(decisively)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “snips” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She carefully snips the thread with her embroidery scissors.
- The gardener snips the deadheads off the roses.
American English
- He snips the coupon from the newspaper.
- Just snip the wire here with the pliers.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in procurement for hardware or manufacturing supplies.
Academic
Rare, except in specific fields like materials science or engineering workshops.
Everyday
Common in contexts of DIY, crafting, gardening, or hairdressing.
Technical
Standard term in metalworking, aviation maintenance, and electrical trades.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “snips”
- Using a singular verb with the tool ('The snips is...' is incorrect). Confusing 'snip' (verb/noun) with 'snips' (the specific tool).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring to the tool, it is a plural noun (like 'scissors') and takes a plural verb: 'The snips are on the bench.'
Scissors have two symmetrical, slender blades for cutting paper, fabric, or hair. Snips typically have shorter, stronger, and sometimes offset blades designed for cutting harder materials like metal or thick wire.
Yes, 'snips' is the third person singular present tense of the verb 'to snip', meaning to cut with a quick, light stroke. E.g., 'She snips the ribbon.'
It means a bargain or something obtained for a very good price. E.g., 'This vintage jacket was a snip at twenty pounds.' This is unrelated to the tool 'snips'.
A tool consisting of two crossed, pivoting blades used for cutting sheet metal or wire.
Snips: in British English it is pronounced /snɪps/, and in American English it is pronounced /snɪps/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “snips and snails (and puppy-dogs' tails)”
- “to be a snip (meaning: a bargain)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a tailor named **Snip**per who always takes small, quick cuts – he uses **snips**.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRECISION IS A QUICK CUT (e.g., 'snip out the problem').
Practice
Quiz
In the idiom 'snips and snails, and puppy-dogs' tails', what is the connotation?