Pronunciation: [snˈuːps] (IPA) 
The word "snoops" is spelled using the phonetic symbols /snʊps/. The initial sound is a voiceless alveolar fricative /s/, followed by a nasal vowel /nʊ/ and a sound that can be represented by the symbol /p/ which is produced by releasing a puff of air after closing the lips. The final sound of the word is another voiceless alveolar fricative /s/. The word "snoops" can be used as a verb to mean investigating or spying.
Snoops is a noun that refers to individuals who engage in the act of spying or prying into other people's affairs, often in a secretive or unauthorized manner. They are characterized by their curiosity and desire to gather information about others, sometimes with the intention of discovering private or confidential details. Snoops are typically motivated by their own personal interest, curiosity, or a desire to gain an advantage over others.
These individuals may use various methods to gather information, such as eavesdropping on conversations, browsing through personal belongings, or hacking into electronic devices. They may also utilize social engineering techniques to manipulate others into sharing personal information or accessing restricted areas.
The term "snoops" can also be used to describe special agents or detectives who are assigned to investigate and gather information related to suspected illegal activities or breaches of security. In this context, snoops are authorized by the law to conduct surveillance and collect evidence to support legal proceedings.
While the act of snooping can occasionally be driven by valid concerns or a genuine need for information, it is generally viewed negatively and is often considered an invasion of privacy. Snoops are often regarded as intrusive and nosy individuals who disregard personal boundaries and violate the privacy of others.
The word "snoops" is believed to have originated from the American English slang term "snoop", which emerged in the early 20th century. The exact etymology of the term is unclear, but it is thought to be derived from the verb "snoope", which meant "to go around in a sneaking way" or "to prowl" in the late 1800s. The word "snoops" eventually evolved to refer to individuals who obsessively pry into the private affairs of others or engage in covert investigations. It gained further popularity with the introduction of the fictional detective character "Sam Spade" in Dashiell Hammett's 1929 novel "The Maltese Falcon". Today, "snoops" is commonly used as a noun or a verb to describe someone who discreetly investigates or gathers information clandestinely.
