snot
UK[snɒt]US[snɑːt]
n
mucus from the nose, especially when it is thick and unpleasant.
n
(informal, disapproving) a rude and annoying person.
Etymology
the word "snot" originates from old english "gesnot," which referred to nasal mucus. it is a common germanic word, with cognates in old frisian, middle low german, and middle dutch. the term is likely of imitative origin, echoing the sound of forcefully expelling mucus from the nose. the pejorative figurative sense of "a contemptible person" developed in english by the mid-16th century, drawing a direct and derogatory comparison to the unpleasant substance.
Analysis
the word is a simplex of old english origin. it is not productively formed from smaller, meaningful parts within modern english spelling.
Examples
he used a tissue to wipe the snot from his child's nose.
she called the driver who cut her off a complete snot.
having a cold often means dealing with a runny nose and lots of snot.