Showing arrogant superiority or disdain toward others considered inferior; pretentiously refined or exclusive.
From 'snoot,' American slang variant of 'snout' (from Middle English snoute), literally referring to the nose. The association comes from the gesture of looking down one's nose at others, first recorded in the early 20th century.
The word 'snooty' brilliantly captures how physical gestures become metaphors for attitude - the literal act of raising one's nose in disdain became synonymous with social superiority. It's one of many English words that connects body language to personality traits.
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