snort
C1Informal to neutral.
Definition
Meaning
To force air out through the nose with a loud, harsh sound, often as a sign of disgust, anger, or derision.
To inhale a powdered drug, especially cocaine, through the nose; (of an animal, especially a horse) to make a similar explosive sound; to express contempt or dismissal; to move or operate with a powerful sound similar to a snort.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb carries strong emotional connotations (disdain, contempt, impatience, derision). The noun form refers to the sound or act itself, or a dose of an inhaled drug. Usage referring to drug consumption is highly informal/slang.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major semantic differences. Both use all meanings. The drug-related meaning is equally informal in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical core connotations of contempt. In both, 'snort' for drug use is stigmatised language.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in informal AmE dialogue, but the difference is marginal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[SUBJ] snort (with/in [NOUN])[SUBJ] snort [OBJ] (e.g., a drug, a comment)[SUBJ] give a snort (of [NOUN])Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not for love nor money (would he...)' – often accompanied by a snort of dismissal.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'The board snorted at the proposal.'
Academic
Very rare, except in literary analysis or ethology (animal behaviour).
Everyday
Common for expressing derision or describing animal sounds.
Technical
Used in veterinary science or zoology to describe specific animal exhalations.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- "Rubbish," he snorted, turning back to his paper.
- The stallion snorted and pawed the ground.
- They were caught snorting cocaine in the toilets.
American English
- "As if!" she snorted, rolling her eyes.
- The bull snorted loudly before charging.
- He snorted a line of amphetamine.
adverb
British English
- Not a standard adverb. 'Snortingly' is possible but very rare: 'He laughed snortingly.'
American English
- Not a standard adverb. 'Snortingly' is possible but very rare: 'She replied snortingly.'
adjective
British English
- Not a standard adjective. 'Snorting' is used as a participial adjective: 'a snorting laugh', 'a snorting horse'.
American English
- Not a standard adjective. 'Snorting' is used as a participial adjective: 'let out a snorting giggle', 'the snorting engine'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The pig made a funny snort.
- He gave a loud snort when he heard the silly joke.
- My horse sometimes snorts when he's excited.
- She snorted with laughter at the comedian.
- 'You must be joking,' he snorted derisively, not even looking up from his book.
- The engine snorted into life after the third attempt.
- The critic's review was little more than a contemptuous snort at the director's ambitious project.
- Addiction began with what he thought was a harmless snort at a party.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a disgruntled horse or pig making a loud 'SNORT' sound through its nose to show annoyance – the word sounds like the action.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTEMPT IS A FORCED NASAL EXPULSION (He snorted his reply).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить всегда как "сопеть" (to breathe noisily, often due to a cold). "Snort" is more explosive and intentional.
- Не использовать "snort" для простого "нюхать" (to smell). Для этого есть "sniff".
- В значении наркотиков – калька "нюхать кокаин" является точным, но регистр очень неформальный.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'snort' instead of 'sniff' for a gentle inhalation. *'He snorted the flower.' (Incorrect) vs. 'He sniffed the flower.' (Correct).
- Confusing 'snort' (noise) with 'snore' (noise while sleeping).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'snort' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Mostly, but not exclusively. 'Snort of laughter' can be positive, though it often implies undignified or sudden laughter. The animal sound is neutral.
Yes. 'He gave a snort of disgust' (the sound). 'He took a snort of whiskey' (a drink, informal). 'He did a snort of cocaine' (a dose, slang).
'Snort' is a forceful, often intentional, expulsion of air (sound of contempt). 'Sniff' is a light inhalation, often to smell. 'Snore' is the rough sound made while sleeping.
No. It is firmly in the realm of informal and slang usage. Formal contexts would use 'inhale (a drug)' or 'use cocaine intranasally'.
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