"Snarky"; "Snark"

12 days ago

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Merriam-Webster defines 'snarky' as sarcastic, impertinent, or irreverent in tone or manner.
The words 'snark' and 'snarky' have seen a rise in popularity over the past 25 years.
The etymology of 'snark' does not trace back to Lewis Carroll but has multiple roots, including meanings like 'to make a snoring noise' and 'to fret or grumble'.
Early uses of 'snarky' were predominantly British, with examples found in literature from the early 20th century.
The term 'snarky' appeared in a U.S. book in 1915 but remained rare in the U.S. until the 1990s.
The sound symbolism of 'sn-' in words like 'snide', 'sneer', and 'snob' may influence the perception of 'snark'.
Sound symbolism is not a guarantee of meaning, as seen with words like 'snuggle'.
The term 'snarky' was used in British literature before becoming more common in the U.S.
The popularity of 'snark' and 'snarky' may be due to their portmanteau-like sound and the current cultural climate.

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