sniffy

[snif-ee] /ˈsnɪf i/

adjective, sniffier, sniffiest. Informal.

inclined to sniff, as in scorn; disdainful; supercilious:

He was very sniffy about breaches of etiquette.

Origin

1865-70; sniff + -y¹

Related forms

sniffily, adverb

sniffiness, noun

Examples from the web for sniffy

By remaining above the fray and beyond trends, it was both sniffy and timeless.
Nevertheless, the country is not at all sniffy about welcoming budget travellers.
They might get sniffy with you, but realistically couldn't do much if you're not tanked or offensive.

British Dictionary definitions for sniffy

/ˈsnɪfɪ/

adjective -fier, -fiest

(informal) contemptuous or disdainful

Derived Forms

sniffily, adverb
sniffiness, noun

Slang definitions & phrases for sniffy

adjective

Disdainful; haughtily fastidious; fault-finding: even the sniffiest of lexicographers

[1871+; fr the mien of a person who often seems to be smelling something nasty]