The slang term “snout” has several meanings, particularly in British and Irish slang:
- Cigarettes or tobacco: This is the most common usage in the UK, especially in prisons where “snout” refers to illicit tobacco or cigarettes. It’s often used in phrases like “Got any snout?” when asking for a cigarette.
- A police informant: In criminal slang, “snout” is also used to describe someone who informs the police, similar to “grass” or “stool pigeon.” This comes from the idea of someone “sniffing out” information for the authorities.
- An animal’s nose or muzzle: The literal meaning refers to the nose and mouth area of an animal, especially pigs, but can also be used insultingly to describe someone’s large or unpleasant nose.
- A derogatory term: In some Irish contexts, “snout” is used as a slur, specifically referring to protestants in Northern Ireland.
These are the most common ways the word “snout” is used, though context is important in figuring out which meaning applies.
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