Pronunciation: [snˈʌfli] (IPA) 
The word "snuffly" is spelled as /ˈsnʌfli/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "sn" is pronounced as a nasal consonant, followed by the short vowel "u" as in "sun", and the sound "f" and "l", respectively. The word is used to describe a nasal sound or breathing difficulty, especially due to the common cold. Proper spelling of words is essential in communication and helps convey a clear message to the reader or listener.
Snuffly is an adjective used to describe a person or animal who is experiencing nasal congestion or a blocked nose, often resulting in audible and/or labored breathing. It is derived from the verb "snuffle," which means to breathe noisily through a congested or partially blocked nasal passage.
When a person or a pet has a cold or nasal allergies, they may develop a snuffly nose. The individual may exhibit symptoms such as frequent sniffing, a runny or stuffy nose, and difficulty in breathing, often accompanied by a noticeable sound produced during inhalation or exhalation. This sound can be described as a low-pitched or congested noise, commonly associated with a snorting or sniffling sound.
Furthermore, the term "snuffly" can also be employed to describe the way a voice sounds when affected by nasal congestion or a blocked nose. It implies a muffled or slightly distorted voice quality due to the restricted airflow through the nose.
In informal usage, "snuffly" may extend beyond the literal meaning and be used figuratively to describe someone who is physically weak or unwell, exhibiting symptoms similar to those having a congested or blocked nose. However, it is crucial to note that this colloquial usage may typically vary based on the context.
The word "snuffly" is derived from the noun "snuffle", which dates back to the mid-16th century. "Snuffle" is derived from the Middle Dutch word "snuffelen", meaning "to sniff". The Middle Dutch word is further related to the English word "sniff". Over time, the suffix "-ly" was added to "snuffle", forming the adjective "snuffly", which describes something or someone who snuffles or breathes audibly through the nose, often due to nasal congestion or a cold.
