snubbing

Snubbing is a social behavior in which one person deliberately ignores, dismisses, or expresses disdain toward another to convey disapproval, disdain, or superiority. Snubs can be overt or covert and may occur in intimate relationships, workplaces, schools, or online interactions.

Common forms include the cold shoulder, excluding someone from events or conversations, failing to acknowledge messages or presence, giving brief or curt responses, or using microaggressions. In digital contexts, it can involve ignoring comments, unfollowing or blocking, or withholding interaction.

The behavior is often rooted in social dynamics such as power, status, or group norms. Snubbing can function to police boundaries, manage competition, or punish perceived nonconformity. It may result from feelings of jealousy, insecurity, or a desire to avoid discomfort. Some snubs are carried out deliberately; others may reflect habit or miscommunication.

Effects on targets can include hurt feelings, lowered self-esteem, anxiety, and strained relationships. In group settings, widespread snubbing can contribute to ostracism, which can undermine social cohesion and productivity.

Etymology and terminology: The verb snub meaning to rebuke or slight dates from the 18th or 19th century; the exact origin is uncertain. The noun form 'snub' and the related 'snubbing' describe the act or instance of such treatment.