Sniff vs. Snuff — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 16, 2024
Sniff involves inhaling air through the nose to detect smells, while snuff refers to powdered tobacco inhaled into the nostrils.
Difference Between Sniff and Snuff
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Sniffing is a function of the olfactory system, used to detect and identify scents. Whereas, snuff is a form of smokeless tobacco traditionally ground into a fine powder.
Individuals sniff to engage sensory receptors in the nose, aiding in recognizing environments or substances. On the other hand, snuff users partake for the nicotine rush it provides.
A sniff can be a spontaneous, short inhalation, often in response to an odor. In contrast, taking snuff is a deliberate act where powdered tobacco is inhaled sharply into the nostrils.
The act of sniffing is generally safe and is a natural part of animal and human behavior. Conversely, using snuff can pose health risks, including nasal and respiratory issues.
While sniffing is a universal behavior observed in many animals for survival and communication, snuff is culturally specific, historically popular in certain societies and social classes.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Inhaling air to detect scents
Powdered tobacco for nasal use
Purpose
Sensory detection, investigation
Nicotine absorption, recreation
Usage Method
Natural, spontaneous
Deliberate, requires preparation
Associated Risks
Generally safe
Health risks like nasal issues
Cultural/Social Relevance
Universal, across all animals
Specific to certain cultures
Compare with Definitions
Sniff
To inhale air audibly through the nose to detect odors or to clear the nasal passages.
She sniffed the air trying to identify the source of the smell.
Snuff
To extinguish or put out, usually referring to a small flame or light.
She snuffed out the candles one by one.
Sniff
To breathe in quickly or sharply through the nose, often due to crying or cold.
The child sniffed constantly during the emotional movie.
Snuff
To draw in through the nose, especially powdered tobacco.
He discreetly snuffed at the dinner, not wishing to attract attention.
Sniff
To take a quick inhalation of a volatile substance.
He sniffed the medicinal aroma of the essential oils.
Snuff
A powdered tobacco inhaled into the nostrils.
He carried a pouch of snuff in his pocket as was his habit.
Sniff
To show disdain or contempt, usually through a figurative or literal sniff.
He sniffed at the suggestion, clearly unimpressed.
Snuff
To kill or put to death; often used figuratively to indicate stopping something decisively.
The new regulations snuffed out any hopes of profit.
Sniff
To investigate or sense something suspicious.
The detective sniffed around the room for clues.
Snuff
Snuff film: an illegal movie showing real murder or violence intended for entertainment.
The police investigated the case suspected to involve a snuff film.
Sniff
To inhale a short, audible breath through the nose, as in smelling something.
Snuff
To inhale (something) audibly through the nose; sniff.
Sniff
To sniffle.
Snuff
To sense or examine by smelling; sniff at.
Sniff
To use the sense of smell, as in savoring or investigating
Sniffed at the jar to see what it held.
Snuff
To sniff; inhale.
Sniff
To regard something in a contemptuous or dismissive manner
The critics sniffed at the adaptation of the novel to film.
Snuff
To extinguish
Snuffed out the candles.
Sniff
(Informal) To pry; snoop
The reporters came sniffing around for more details.
Snuff
To put a sudden end to
Lives that were snuffed out by car accidents.
Sniff
To inhale forcibly through the nose
Sniffed the cool morning air.
Snuff
(Slang) To kill; murder.
Sniff
To smell, as in savoring or investigating
Sniffed the lilacs.
Sniffed the breeze for traces of smoke.
Snuff
To cut off the charred portion of (a candlewick).
Sniff
To perceive or detect by or as if by sniffing
Dogs that sniffed out the trail through the snow.
Sniffed trouble ahead.
Snuff
To use or inhale snuff.
Sniff
To utter in a contemptuous or haughty manner
The countess sniffed her disapproval.
Snuff
The act of snuffing or the sound produced by it; a snuffle.
Sniff
An instance or the sound of sniffing.
Snuff
The charred portion of a candlewick.
Sniff
Something sniffed or perceived by or as if by sniffing; a whiff
A sniff of perfume.
A sniff of scandal.
Snuff
A preparation of finely pulverized tobacco that can be drawn up into the nostrils by inhaling. Also called smokeless tobacco.
Sniff
(ambitransitive) To make a short, audible inhalation, through the nose, as when smelling something.
The dog sniffed around the park, searching for a nice scent.
I sniffed the meat to see whether it had gone off.
Snuff
The quantity of this tobacco that is inhaled at a single time; a pinch.
Sniff
(transitive) To say (something) while sniffing, such as in case of illness or unhappiness, or in contempt.
"He's never coming back, is he?" she sniffed while looking at a picture of him.
Snuff
See dip.
Sniff
(transitive) To perceive vaguely.
Snuff
A powdery substance, such as a medicine, taken by inhaling.
Sniff
(intransitive) To pry; to investigate in an interfering manner.
Snuff
Finely ground or pulverized tobacco intended for use by being sniffed or snorted into the nose.
Sniff
To be dismissive or contemptuous of something.
This opportunity is not to be sniffed at.
Snuff
Fine-ground or minced tobacco, dry or moistened, intended for use by placing a pinch behind the lip or beneath the tongue; see also snus.
Sniff
(computing) To intercept and analyse packets of data being transmitted over a network.
Snuff
A snort or sniff of fine-ground, powdered, or pulverized tobacco.
Sniff
To inhale drugs (usually cocaine) through the nose, usually in powder form.
Snuff
The act of briskly inhaling by the nose; a sniff, a snort.
Sniff
(countable) An instance of sniffing.
She gave the flowers a quick sniff to check they were real.
Snuff
Resentment or skepticism expressed by quickly drawing air through the nose; snuffling; sniffling.
Sniff
(countable) A quantity of something that is inhaled through the nose.
Snuff
(obsolete) Snot, mucus.
Sniff
A brief perception, or tiny amount.
Snuff
(obsolete) Smell, scent, odour.
Sniff
Cocaine.
Snuff
The burning part of a candle wick, or the black, burnt remains of a wick (which must be periodically removed).
Sniff
A short inhalation sound, sometimes associated with crying.
Snuff
(obsolete) Leavings in a glass after drinking; heeltaps.
Sniff
To draw air audibly up the nose; to snuff; - sometimes done as a gesture of suspicion, offense, or contempt.
So ye grow squeamish, gods, and sniff at heaven.
Snuff
(slang) A murder.
Sniff
To draw in with the breath through the nose; as, to sniff the air of the country.
Snuff
(attributive) A form of pornographic film which involves someone actually being murdered.
Sniff
To perceive as by sniffing; to snuff, to scent; to smell; as, to sniff danger.
Snuff
To inhale through the nose.
Sniff
The act of sniffing; perception by sniffing; that which is taken by sniffing; as, a sniff of air.
Snuff
To turn up the nose and inhale air, as an expression of contempt; hence, to take offence.
Sniff
Sensing an odor by inhaling through the nose
Snuff
To extinguish a candle or oil-lamp flame by covering the burning end of the wick until the flame is suffocated.
Sniff
Perceive by inhaling through the nose;
Sniff the perfume
Snuff
(obsolete) To trim the burnt part of a candle wick.
Sniff
Inhale audibly through the nose;
The sick student was sniffling in the back row
Snuff
(slang) To snuff out; to extinguish; to put out; to kill.
Snuff
The part of a candle wick charred by the flame, whether burning or not.
If the burning snuff happens to get out of the snuffers, you have a chance that it may fall into a dish of soup.
Snuff
The act of snuffing; perception by snuffing; a sniff.
Snuff
Pulverized tobacco, etc., prepared to be taken into the nose; also, the amount taken at once.
Snuff
Resentment, displeasure, or contempt, expressed by a snuffing of the nose.
Snuff
To crop the snuff of, as a candle; to take off the end of the snuff of.
Snuff
To draw in, or to inhale, forcibly through the nose; to sniff.
He snuffs the wind, his heels the sand excite.
Snuff
To perceive by the nose; to scent; to smell.
Snuff
To inhale air through the nose with violence or with noise, as do dogs and horses.
Snuff
To turn up the nose and inhale air, as an expression of contempt; hence, to take offense.
Do the enemies of the church rage and snuff?
Snuff
The charred portion of a candlewick
Snuff
A pinch of smokeless tobacco inhaled at a single time
Snuff
Finely powdered tobacco for sniffing up the nose
Snuff
Sensing an odor by inhaling through the nose
Snuff
Sniff or smell inquiringly
Snuff
Inhale audibly through the nose;
Snuff coke
Snuff
Snuff colored; grayish to yellowish brown
Common Curiosities
How is snuff taken?
Snuff is usually inhaled sharply into the nostrils.
Is sniffing harmful?
Generally, sniffing is not harmful unless it involves harmful substances.
Is sniffing an involuntary action?
Sniffing can be both involuntary and voluntary, depending on the context.
What are the risks of using snuff?
Snuff use can increase the risk of nasal cancers, sinus issues, and respiratory infections.
What is the main use of sniffing?
Sniffing primarily serves to detect and identify smells.
What is snuff made from?
Snuff is made from finely ground or powdered dry tobacco leaves.
Is snuff addictive?
Yes, due to its nicotine content, snuff can be addictive.
What is the cultural significance of snuff?
Snuff was once a status symbol in European aristocracy.
Can sniffing affect health?
Frequent sniffing of harmful chemicals or irritants can affect health.
Where is snuff most commonly used?
Snuff has historical popularity in Europe, particularly in the UK.
What animals are known for their sniffing ability?
Dogs are notably skilled at sniffing and are often used in search and rescue.
How long has snuff been in use?
Snuff has been in use since the early 16th century.
Can anyone use snuff?
While legal, snuff use is generally discouraged due to health concerns.
What does it mean to sniff out something?
This means to discover something by investigating or using intuition.
What is a snuff film?
A snuff film is an illegal video recording of actual murders or violent acts purportedly produced for commercial distribution.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Allergist vs. Allergologist
Next Comparison
Ally vs. AlleyAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
