The phrase "comes up snuff" means something is up to the required standard. The word "snuff" is pronounced /snʌf/ and is derived from the Dutch word "snuf," meaning "the snuff of a candle." The spelling "snuff" is uncommon because the word originates from the 1700s when spelling was less standardized. However, in modern usage, "snuff" is still used in phrases like "comes up snuff" and "up to snuff," meaning something meets a particular standard.
The phrase "comes up snuff" has roots in 18th-century English slang and has undergone some changes in usage and meaning over time. In its contemporary context, it is typically used to describe a situation, an individual, or an evaluation where something falls short or fails to meet expectations or standards.
When something "comes up snuff," it implies that it does not measure up or perform as desired or anticipated. This can refer to a wide range of circumstances – from someone not meeting a required level of expertise or competence to an object or system not functioning as intended. The phrase conveys a sense of disappointment or dissatisfaction with the outcome.
The term "snuff" primarily refers to the powdered form of tobacco that is inhaled or sniffed. Additionally, "snuff" can relate to the action of extinguishing a flame, particularly a candle, by pinching it between the fingers. The origins of the particular connection between these meanings and the phrase are uncertain. However, it is possible that the phrase "comes up snuff" developed as a metaphorical expression, suggesting that a person or thing fails to ignite or meet the desired standard, much like an extinguished flame or a disappointing inhalation of tobacco.
To summarize, "comes up snuff" describes a situation or person falling short of expectations or standards, suggesting disappointment or dissatisfaction. Although its exact origins remain uncertain, the phrase evokes imagery of something failing to ignite or meet the desired level of quality, likening it to an extinguished flame or a disappointing whiff of tobacco.