Snowflake
'snoʊfleɪk
Definitions
2 meaningsA single, small ice crystal that falls from the sky as snow.
'snoʊfleɪk
A single, small piece of snow.
A single snowflake landed on her nose.
💡 Simply: Imagine tiny, beautiful ice crystals that fall from the sky during winter. They are snowflakes, and each one is different, like a special little star made of ice!
👶 For kids: A tiny, tiny piece of snow that falls from the sky.
More Examples
The first snowflakes of the season began to fall.
Each snowflake is unique in its intricate design.
How It's Used
"The snowflake landed delicately on the child's outstretched hand."
"Each snowflake has a unique and intricate crystalline structure."
A person perceived as being overly sensitive or easily offended; often used pejoratively.
'snoʊfleɪk
A person perceived as being overly sensitive or easily offended.
The comedian made fun of 'snowflakes' who can't handle offensive jokes.
💡 Simply: If someone is easily offended or gets their feelings hurt easily, you might jokingly call them a snowflake, like they're fragile like a snowflake.
👶 For kids: When someone gets sad or mad very easily. It's like they're a tiny, delicate snowflake that melts.
More Examples
Some argue that society is becoming too sensitive and filled with snowflakes.
He was accused of being a snowflake because he complained about the dress code.
How It's Used
"The older generation often criticizes younger people as being 'snowflakes'."
"The term 'snowflake' is often used in debates about political correctness."
Idioms & expressions
unique as a snowflake
Completely unique or different from others.
"Each person's fingerprint is as unique as a snowflake."
From Middle English *snawfleok*, from Old English *snāwflocc* ('snow-flake', literally 'snow-flake'), equivalent to snow + flake.
The term has existed for centuries to describe ice crystals. The pejorative use is recent, rising in popularity in the 21st century.
Memory tip
Think of tiny flakes of snow falling from the sky; they are snowflakes.