Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

thumb one's nose

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.77 in modern English

Syllables: thum-b one's nose
IPA

20

Scrabble Score

13

Letters

2

Syllables

9

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To place a thumb upon the tip of the nose, typically with the fingers spread and while simultaneously wiggling one's fingers, in a gesture of disrespect.

verb

To act disrespectfully, especially by flouting the object of disrespect.

Example Sentences

"My brother thumbed his nose in reply to my snide remarks."
"Richard Feynman delighted in thumbing his nose at the dissidents and workers."

Etymology

See thumb, nose.

Inflected Forms

thumbs one's nose (present, singular) thumbing one's nose (participle, present) thumbed one's nose (participle, past) thumbed one's nose (past)

Phrases

twist one's fingers in one's ears wriggle one's fingers

Frequently Paired Words

twist one's fingers in one's ears wriggle one's fingers

Synonyms

cock a snook

Questions

What does thumb one's nose mean?: To place a thumb upon the tip of the nose, typically with the fingers spread and while simultaneously wiggling one's fingers, in a gesture of disrespect.
Where does thumb one's nose come from?: See thumb, nose.

How to pronounce thumb one's nose

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