student asking question

What does "snarky" and "idiosyncratic" mean? Are these words used in daily conversation?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

"Snarky" is used to describe a person's attitude. "Snarky" means to criticize someone in a rude way, usually to hurt someone's feelings. "Idiosyncratic" means to have strange, peculiar, or unusual habits or behaviors. "Snarky" is very common in daily conversation whereas "idiosyncratic" is not. "Idiosyncratic" isn't commonly used in daily conversation because it is almost too formal. Instead of "idiosyncratic," English speakers usually just say "odd" or "weird" when discussing someone's habits and behaviors. However, I will try to give a couple of examples! Ex: She was being really snarky to me. Ex: I don't like your snarky attitude. Ex: That person is very idiosyncratic. Ex: He has some very idiosyncratic tendencies.

Popular Q&As

04/19

Complete the expression with a quiz!