sniffling
UK[ˈsnɪf.lɪŋ]US[ˈsnɪf.lɪŋ]
v
breathing in quickly and repeatedly through the nose, especially because you are crying or have a cold
n
the act or sound of sniffing repeatedly
Etymology
the word 'sniffling' originates from the late 16th century verb 'sniffle', which is a frequentative form of the older verb 'sniff'. 'sniff' itself is an imitative word, formed to mimic the sound of drawing air audibly through the nose. the addition of the '-le' suffix (and subsequently '-ing') creates a sense of repeated or continuous action, perfectly capturing the persistent, minor sound and action associated with crying or a slight cold. this etymological path from sound imitation to a specific descriptive term is a clear example of how language naturally evolves to label common sensory experiences.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form derived from the base verb 'sniffle', which is an imitative or onomatopoeic formation.
Examples
she was sniffling quietly during the sad movie.
i could hear the constant sniffling of the child with a runny nose.
stop sniffling and use a tissue.