To "cock a snook" at someone is a bit more elaborate than simply
thumbing one's nose. To "cock a snook" is a classic display of
derision, properly performed by spreading the fingers of one hand,
touching the tip of your nose with your thumb while sighting your
opponent along the tips of your other fingers (what the British
sometimes call a "Queen Anne's Fan," but what we more commonly
call a "five-finger salute"), and waggling your fingers in the most
annoying way possible. As a gesture, it doesn't really mean anything,
but it does convey utter contempt rather well. Like all fine insulting
gestures, cocking a snook always goes well with a Bronx Cheer, or
raspberry, as an accompaniment. Crossing your eyes while doing all
this is optional but definitely enhances the overall effect. And
remember, kids, practice makes perfect.
While the phrase "thumb one's nose" first appeared in English around
1903, "cocking a snook" is much older, first appearing in print back
in 1791. The verb "to cock" comes from strutting behavior of male
chickens, and means, as the Oxford English Dictionary puts it, "to
turn up in an assertive, pretentious, jaunty, saucy, or defiant way."
The "snook" is of uncertain origin, but may be related to "snout,"
which would certainly make sense.
I think this image was lifted from L&N Williams
"Stamps of great britain 1962"
IBSN number unknown
The offender - imagine the hand near Her Majesty's proboscis.
Posted 02/15/2010 6:45 pm
