snuffelen

Snuffelen is a Dutch verb with two principal meanings. In its primary sense, it means to sniff or smell with the nose. In a secondary sense, it means to search for something by moving around, inspecting objects, or poking around, often in a curious or tentative way. The two senses are differentiated by context, and the verb can also carry a subtle connotation of prying or snooping depending on how it is used.

Etymology: The word is of Dutch origin, derived from the noun snuffel (snout, sniff) and related to older Germanic roots denoting smell. The verb has been part of Dutch usage since the Middle Dutch period and remains productive in both the Netherlands and Flanders.

Usage: In the literal sense, snuffelen describes animals and people smelling scents or surroundings. For example, a dog sniffs around the garden for a scent. In a figurative sense, snuffelen is used with naar to indicate looking for information or opportunities—sniffing around for news or tips. It can also mean to try something tentatively, as in snuffelen aan een nieuw gerecht or snuffelen at an idea, though more formal verbs are often preferred in formal writing.

Register and nuance: Snuffelen is common in everyday speech and writing and conveys curiosity, tentative exploration, or a sense of snooping depending on the context. In formal contexts, alternatives such as rondkijken, onderzoeken, or uitproberen may be used to avoid ambiguity or casual tone.