Sharp, severe, or bittingly cold; harsh in tone or manner (Scottish/Northern English dialect).
From Old English 'snell' meaning quick, severe, or keen. Related to Old Norse 'snall' meaning quick or sharp. The word has persisted mainly in Scottish and Northern English dialect.
Snell is a beautifully specific word that perfectly describes Scottish winter wind—not just cold, but sharp and biting in a way that makes your face sting. Scottish poets like Hugh MacDiarmid brought snell back into literary use in the 20th century, giving it new life.
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