Snappy
/ˈsnæpi/
Definitions
3 meaningsIrritable, easily angered; curt and sharp in speech or manner.
/ˈsnæpi/
Quick-tempered or irritable
He was snappy with the customer on the phone.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're super annoyed and ready to yell at someone. Snappy means you're being short-tempered and a bit mean with your words, like when you're really hungry and someone asks a dumb question.
👶 For kids: When someone is snappy, they get mad or annoyed quickly and might say mean things.
More Examples
After a long day, she felt snappy and wanted to be left alone.
The dog gave a snappy bark when approached.
How It's Used
"She was snappy with the waiter after he spilled the water."
Stylish; smart; fashionable; attractive and neat.
/ˈsnæpi/
Stylish and attractive
He always wears a snappy suit to work.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone looks super cool and put-together, like they're wearing an outfit that's totally 'on point'. Snappy means they look stylish and fashionable.
👶 For kids: When something is snappy, it looks really good, like a brand new toy or a cool outfit.
More Examples
Her new car looked very snappy.
The restaurant had a snappy interior design.
How It's Used
"She was wearing a snappy new outfit."
Quick and energetic; brisk; lively; marked by speed.
/ˈsnæpi/
Quick and energetic
The horse had a snappy trot.
💡 Simply: Think of something moving really fast and with a lot of energy, like a fast-paced song or a quick game. Snappy means something is quick and energetic, like a lively beat.
👶 For kids: When something is snappy, it means it's fast and exciting.
More Examples
The band played at a snappy tempo.
The news report was presented in a snappy format.
How It's Used
"A snappy pace in the race kept everyone moving."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
snappy dresser
Someone who dresses stylishly and fashionably.
"He's a real snappy dresser; always looks sharp."
From 'snap' + '-y'. 'Snap' originally referred to a quick, sudden action, which then extended to describe quickness of wit or style. The suffix '-y' adds the sense of 'characteristic of'.
The use of 'snappy' to mean irritable dates back to the late 18th century, while its usage for stylishness emerged in the 20th century.
Memory tip
Think of someone ready to 'snap' at you.
Word Origin
"To bite or grasp quickly"