snips

Snips is a term that can refer to small pieces cut off from a larger whole, or to the act of making quick, small cuts with a tool. In everyday language, a snip denotes a short, precise segment, such as a fragment of fabric, paper, or text. The word is also used in media to describe brief excerpts of video or audio, often used for previews, highlights, or editing.

In tools and construction, snips most commonly denote metal-cutting shears. Tin snips are designed for sheet metal and come in straight-cut, left-cut, and right-cut varieties to help navigate curves and corners. Aviation snips are a subset that feature a compound-action mechanism and color-coded handles to indicate cutting direction, enabling tighter radius cuts in metal. For fabric, paper, or other softer materials, regular scissors or shears are typically used instead of metal snips, which have hardened blades and blade geometry optimized for metalwork.

In media contexts, snips refer to short excerpts from longer recordings or broadcasts. These clips are often shared online or used for quick reference, demonstrations, or storytelling. The term is also heard in publishing or journalism when describing small selections or quotes from a larger source.

Etymology-wise, snip comes from the verb to snip, meaning to cut with quick, small strokes. Safety considerations include using appropriate eye protection and handling sharp blades with care, particularly for metal snips, and keeping blades clean and lubricated to maintain performance.