snivel
UK[ˈsnɪv.əl]US[ˈsnɪv.əl]
v
to cry and sniff in a weak or complaining way.
n
an act or sound of snivelling; weak, tearful, or complaining behaviour.
Etymology
the word 'snivel' is of middle english origin, related to the old english word snyflung meaning 'mucus'. it is part of a family of germanic words imitative of the sound of sniffing or drawing mucus up the nose, such as the dutch 'snuffelen' (to sniff about) and the low german 'snüfeln'. this onomatopoeic origin connects the physical act of sniffing tearfully to the associated behaviour of whining or complaining in a feeble manner. over time, the meaning expanded from the literal description of a runny nose to encompass the pejorative sense of weak, tearful complaint.
Analysis
the word is a simplex of germanic origin and cannot be meaningfully segmented into smaller morphemes within modern english spelling.
Examples
the child began to snivel after he was told he couldn't have any more candy.
i have no patience for your constant snivelling about minor inconveniences.
he gave a pathetic snivel before finally admitting his mistake.