The phrase "not to snuff" means something is below average or not up to par. Interestingly, the phrase does not actually involve snuff, a type of tobacco, at all. Instead, snuff in this context comes from sniff, meaning to smell. The word snuff is a variant spelling of sniff, and the phrase "not up to snuff" originated in the 18th century as a way to describe someone whose sense of smell was not sharp enough to detect certain scents. The pronunciation of snuff is IPA [snʌf].
Not to snuff is an idiomatic expression used to describe something or someone that falls short of a desired standard or expectation. The phrase is derived from the act of sniffing a pinch of finely ground tobacco, known as snuff, which was popular in the past. The aroma of snuff was often associated with luxury and sophistication. Therefore, when something or someone is "not to snuff," it implies they do not meet the desired level of quality, effectiveness, or excellence.
This expression can be applied to various situations. For instance, if a product is advertised as high-end but fails to deliver on its promises or does not meet customers' expectations, it could be described as not to snuff. Similarly, when an individual's performance falls short of what is hoped for or required, they may be said to be not to snuff.
The phrase not to snuff conveys a sense of disappointment or dissatisfaction. It suggests that the subject is lacking in some way and is considered unsatisfactory or below par. The negative connotation implies that the potential or expected standard has not been achieved. This expression is often used colloquially to emphasize a sense of letdown or unmet anticipation.