snapping
UK[ˈsnæpɪŋ]US[ˈsnæpɪŋ]
v
making a sharp cracking sound or causing something to break suddenly with such a sound.
v
speaking or replying in a quick, sharp, angry way.
v
moving or taking something quickly and suddenly.
Etymology
the verb 'snap' originates from middle dutch or middle low german 'snappen', meaning 'to seize, snap', which is of imitative origin, meant to evoke the sound of a quick bite or grasp. this onomatopoeic root is shared with other germanic languages, such as german 'schnappen'. the core concept is a sudden, sharp, audible action, which expanded metaphorically to describe abrupt speech or movement. the '-ing' suffix is the modern english present participle ending, derived from old english '-ende', which itself comes from proto-germanic '-andz'.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form derived from a germanic root. it is the present participle/gerund form of the verb 'snap'.
Examples
the dry twig broke with a loud snapping sound.
"i don't have time for this," she said, snapping at her colleague.
he was snapping pictures of the birds as they took flight.