snide

Definition

Disparaging or derisive in an insinuative way.

Etymology

Probably from a dialectal variant of snithe (“sharp, cutting, cold”). See snithe (adjective). Alternatively, possibly a metathetic corruption of Middle English snythand (“piercing (the heart), cold, biting”, literally and figuratively). More at snithe (verb). Compare typologically cutting, Russian ко́лкий (kólkij) (akin to коло́ть (kolótʹ)).

Example Sentences

• "Don't make snide remarks to me."
• "You write your snide bullshit from a dark room because that's what the angry do nowadays. I was nice to you, don't torture me for it."
• "Have nothing to do with snide goods; let it be known throughout the world that the farmers and dairymen, yea, and those engaged in other industries in the great State of Illinois, produce only the best of everything in their lines, and we will be the last to feel the effects of over-production."