How Do You Spell SNAPS AT?

Pronunciation: [snˈaps at] (IPA)

The phrase "snaps at" is spelled with an "s" at the beginning and a "t" at the end of each word, with a short "a" sound in the middle of each word. The IPA phonetic transcription for this phrase is /snæps æt/. The first syllable of each word sounds like "snap" or the noise made by quickly closing something. The second syllable of each word has a short "a" sound like in the word "cat". The phrase means to react with anger or impatience towards someone or something.

SNAPS AT Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "snaps at" refers to a sudden, sharp, and often unpredictable reaction of anger, irritation, or criticism towards someone or something. It can be used to describe a person's behavior when they suddenly lose patience and respond with hostility or annoyance.

   When someone "snaps at" another person, it typically involves a swift and intense exclamation or retort that may cause the person being snapped at to feel shocked or hurt. The person delivering the snap may impulsively lash out verbally or display signs of irritability or impatience. This reaction can manifest as a curt response, a cutting remark, or even a burst of anger.

   "Snaps at" can also be used to describe a sudden reaction towards an inanimate object or situation, representing frustration or annoyance. For instance, if a machine malfunctions, someone might "snap at" it by hitting or kicking it out of irritation.

   The action of "snapping at" someone or something generally carries a negative connotation as it suggests a lack of control over emotions, often resulting in strained relationships, hurt feelings, or unintended consequences. It is important for individuals to be aware of their emotions, practice patience, and choose more constructive ways to express their frustrations to maintain harmonious interactions.

Common Misspellings for SNAPS AT

• snap at
• anaps at
• znaps at
• xnaps at
• dnaps at
• enaps at
• wnaps at
• sbaps at
• smaps at
• sjaps at
• shaps at
• snzps at
• snsps at
• snwps at
• snqps at
• snaos at
• snals at
• sna-s at
• sna0s at
• snapa at

Etymology of SNAPS AT

The phrase "snaps at" consists of two words: "snaps" and "at". Here is the etymology of each:

1. Snaps:

The word "snaps" is derived from the Middle Low German word "snappen", which means "to seize suddenly" or "to bite". It appeared in English around the late 14th century and originally referred to the act of suddenly biting or seizing with the teeth. Over time, the meaning of "snaps" expanded to include various sudden, quick actions or movements, both literal and metaphorical.

2. At:

The word "at" dates back to Old English and has roots in various Germanic languages. It is related to Dutch "aan", German "an", and Danish "at". In its basic sense, "at" indicates a point, position, or direction toward which an action is directed.