snoots

Snoots, or snoot, is a term with several distinct meanings in English, used in casual speech, slang, and photography. The word is historically linked to the idea of a snout or nose, and its meanings have since expanded in different contexts.

In informal language, snoot commonly refers to the nose or snout of a person or animal. It is a light, everyday usage that can appear in playful or affectionate speech, or simply as a casual synonym for the nose.

In slang, a snoot can describe a pompous or pretentious person. The term can function as a noun, as in referring to someone as a “snoot,” or as the basis for the related adjective “snooty,” which describes attitudes or behavior that are aloof or condescending. The word often carries a mild pejorative sense and is used in informal conversation.

In photography and related fields, a snoot is a specific light modifier. A snoot is a hollow cylindrical or conical attachment placed over a light source to create a narrow, focused beam with minimal spill. This device is used to shape lighting in portraits, macro work, and product photography, enabling precise highlights and controlled contrast. Snoots can be made from metal, plastic, or even cardboard, and are commonly used with studio strobes or continuous lights.

The plural form snoots can refer to multiple devices of this type or, depending on context, to multiple people described as snoots. The meaning is determined by surrounding words and the setting in which the term appears. See also snout, snooty, and related lighting modifiers.