snook: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1 (Very Low Frequency)Informal, Technical (snooker), Archaic
Quick answer
What does “snook” mean?
To thwart, hinder, or put at a disadvantage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To thwart, hinder, or put at a disadvantage; also, to deceive or trick. A gesture of contempt or defiance made by placing the thumb on the nose and spreading the fingers.
In billiards/snooker, a difficult, obstructed position of the cue ball (to be 'snookered'). Also used historically to describe a check or rebuff.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun ('cocking a snook') is primarily British. The term 'snooker' (and by extension 'to be snookered' metaphorically) is understood in both, but the metaphorical use is more established in UK English.
Connotations
In the UK, 'cocking a snook' implies a childish, cheeky defiance. 'Snookered' implies a tricky, obstructed situation, often through someone else's action.
Frequency
The word is very low frequency in both dialects. The term 'snookered' is encountered in UK media/politics more than in the US.
Grammar
How to Use “snook” in a Sentence
[V] to snook somebody[V n] They snooked the competition.[Adj] to be/get snookeredVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “snook” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He managed to snook his rival by hiding the key documents.
- The goalkeeper was completely snooked by the deflected shot.
American English
- The defense attorney snooked the witness with a surprising piece of evidence.
- Don't let them snook you into a bad deal.
adjective
British English
- It's a snook move, leaving the ball right behind the black.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The new regulations have left us completely snookered.'
Academic
Virtually unused outside historical/sports studies.
Everyday
Very rare for the verb. 'Snookered' is used informally, mainly in the UK.
Technical
Primary use: Snooker/Billiards. 'He's left his opponent in a perfect snook.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “snook”
- Using 'snook' as a common verb. Confusing 'snook' with 'sneak'. Using 'snookered' to mean merely 'tired' or 'drunk' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare as a standalone verb. You are most likely to encounter 'snookered' or the phrase 'cock a snook'.
They are unrelated. 'Sneak' means to move stealthily. 'Snook' means to thwart, trick, or make a gesture of defiance.
No. While originating from snooker, it is commonly used metaphorically in British English to mean 'put in a difficult position'.
It is considered a rude, childish gesture of disrespect, though the phrase is often used figuratively to mean showing contempt for authority or convention.
To thwart, hinder, or put at a disadvantage.
Snook is usually informal, technical (snooker), archaic in register.
Snook: in British English it is pronounced /snuːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /snʊk/ (also /snuːk/). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cock a snook at (someone/something)”
- “to be snookered”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SNOOtty person looking down their NOSE (cocking a snook) to show contempt, or being cleverly trapped behind a SNOOker ball.
Conceptual Metaphor
OBSTRUCTION IS A SNOOK (being blocked/put at a disadvantage). DEFIANCE IS A GESTURE (making a rude hand sign).
Practice
Quiz
What does it mean to be 'snookered' in a non-sporting context?