Sneaking suspicion is a commonly used phrase in English language. In IPA phonetic transcription, the pronunciation of this phrase is /ˈsniːkɪŋ səˈspɪʃ(ə)n/, where the first syllable is pronounced as 'sneek', the second syllable is pronounced as 'ing', and the third syllable is pronounced as 'səs' followed by 'pish' and 'ən'. The word 'sneaking' refers to behaving in a furtive or stealthy manner, while 'suspicion' means a feeling of doubt or mistrust. Together, they describe a feeling of unease or distrust that is not fully acknowledged.
A "sneaking suspicion" refers to a feeling or intuition that something is true or likely to happen, although there may not be concrete evidence or proof to support it. This term implies a sense of suspicion or doubt that is somewhat secretive or hidden. It encompasses a subtle apprehension or inkling that often arises from intuition, personal experiences, or subtle clues.
The phrase "sneaking" conveys the idea of something being done covertly or subtly, under the radar and away from public view. It suggests a suspicion that may not be openly acknowledged or voiced, as it might lack substantial evidence. Despite its secretive nature, a sneaking suspicion often carries a certain level of certainty or confidence, though it may be difficult to explain or justify to others.
One might experience a sneaking suspicion when they have a hunch about someone's true motives or feelings, or when they suspect that an event or outcome will unfold a certain way. This term differs from a regular suspicion as it implies a level of uncertainty or doubt but also a confidence in its validity. It is often used in colloquial conversations, shared as a relatable feeling of uncertainty that others may also experience. Overall, a sneaking suspicion represents a subtle intuition or inkling that warrants attention and further investigation, even in the absence of concrete proof.
The term "sneaking suspicion" originated in the early 19th century. The word "sneaking" comes from the Middle Dutch word "sniken", meaning "to creep or crawl". It later evolved into the Old English word "snican", which means "to creep or crawl silently".
The word "suspicion" derives from the Latin word "suspicio", which means "distrust" or "suspicion". It entered the English language through Old French in the 14th century.
When combined, "sneaking suspicion" refers to a feeling of distrust or suspicion that arises subtly or quietly, often without concrete evidence. The word "sneaking" emphasizes the idea of something creeping in unnoticed, while "suspicion" highlights the insightful doubt or unease one might have.