snivel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, pejorative
Quick answer
What does “snivel” mean?
To cry and sniff in a weak, self-pitying, or complaining manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To cry and sniff in a weak, self-pitying, or complaining manner.
To behave or speak in a whining, tearful, or emotionally weak way, often to gain sympathy. It can also mean to run or drip from the nose.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the word with the same core meaning. British English may have slightly higher idiomatic frequency in phrases like 'stop sniveling'.
Connotations
Equally negative in both. Criticizes self-pity and perceived weakness.
Frequency
Low frequency in formal contexts for both, but slightly more common in British literary and colloquial use.
Grammar
How to Use “snivel” in a Sentence
[Subject] snivels[Subject] snivels about [Object][Subject] snivels that [Clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “snivel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was sent to his room for snivelling about the broken toy.
- Stop snivelling and get on with your work!
American English
- The candidate sniveled about the unfair coverage during the debate.
- I can't stand listening to him snivel about his problems.
adverb
British English
- 'It's not fair,' he said snivellingly.
- She asked snivellingly for another chance.
American English
- He replied snivellingly from behind the door.
- The request was made snivelingly and without conviction.
adjective
British English
- He gave a snivelling apology that no one believed.
- I won't be swayed by your snivelling excuses.
American English
- She dismissed his argument with a sniveling retort.
- The sniveling tone of his letter was pathetic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate. Would imply extreme unprofessionalism (e.g., 'The manager told him to stop sniveling about the workload and get on with it.').
Academic
Very rare, except in literary analysis of character behavior.
Everyday
Used to scold or mock someone, often a child or adult perceived as weak (e.g., 'Oh, don't snivel! It's just a scratch.').
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “snivel”
- Using 'snivel' for serious crying (it implies pettiness).
- Confusing it with 'sniffle' (which is more neutral).
- Misspelling as 'snivle'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is almost always pejorative and dismissive. It's rude to tell someone they are sniveling, as it criticizes their emotional expression as weak and self-pitying.
'Cry' is neutral. 'Snivel' is a specific, weak, and often annoying type of crying accompanied by sniffing and whining, usually implying the person is seeking sympathy or complaining.
Yes, but this usage is less common and somewhat old-fashioned or literary (e.g., 'a child with a sniveling nose'). The verb form related to mucus is 'to run' or 'to drip'.
Both are correct. 'Snivelling' is the standard British English spelling (double 'l'), while 'sniveling' is the standard American English spelling (single 'l').
To cry and sniff in a weak, self-pitying, or complaining manner.
Snivel is usually informal, pejorative in register.
Snivel: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsnɪv.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsnɪv.əl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Snivel and cry”
- “Sniveling little rat (highly pejorative)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SNIVeling person as having a runny NOSE (SNIV - NOSE) while being SNaIVely weak.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEAKNESS IS A LEAKING FLUID / COMPLAINING IS A NASAL DISCHARGE.
Practice
Quiz
Which situation best exemplifies 'sniveling'?