snook

2
[ snoo k, snook ]
/ snʊk, snuk /

noun

a gesture of defiance, disrespect, or derision.

Idioms for snook

    cock a/one's snook, to thumb the nose: a painter who cocks a snook at traditional techniques. Also cock a snoot.

Origin of snook

2
First recorded in 1875–80; origin uncertain

Words nearby snook

snoek, snoep, snog, snollygoster, snood, snook, snooker, snoop, snooper, snooperscope, snoopy

British Dictionary definitions for cock a snook (1 of 2)

snook 1
/ (snuːk) /

noun plural snook or snooks

any of several large game fishes of the genus Centropomus, esp C. undecimalis of tropical American marine and fresh waters: family Centropomidae (robalos)
Australian the sea pike Australuzza novaehollandiae

Word Origin for snook

C17: from Dutch snoek pike

British Dictionary definitions for cock a snook (2 of 2)

snook 2
/ (snuːk) /

noun

cock a snook British
  1. to make a rude gesture by putting one thumb to the nose with the fingers of the hand outstretched
  2. to show contempt by being insulting or offensive

Word Origin for snook

C19: of obscure origin

Idioms and Phrases with cock a snook

cock a snook

Thumb one's nose, as in As soon as the teacher turned her back, the boys cocked a snook at her. This expression was first recorded in 1791 and the precise source of snook, here used in the sense of “a derisive gesture,” has been lost. It is more widely used in Britain but is not unknown in America.