turn up one’s nose: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "turn up one's nose" is a figurative expression that means to show disdain or contempt for something or someone. It is believed to have originated in the 19th century and is commonly used in both spoken and written English, particularly in informal contexts. The phrase itself is thought to have derived from the physical action of raising one's nose in a haughty or superior manner. When someone "turns up their nose," they are metaphorically demonstrating a sense of superiority or snobbishness. This idiom is often used to describe a person who dismisses or rejects something because they believe it is inferior or unworthy. For example, if someone offers a suggestion or idea that is not well-received, others might say that person "turned up their nose" at the suggestion, implying that they believed it was beneath them or not worth considering. The idiom can also be used to describe a person's attitude towards something they find distasteful or unappealing. For instance, if someone were offered a plate of food they did not like, they might "turn up their nose" at the dish, indicating their disdain or lack of interest. Overall, the idiom "turn up one's nose" serves as a metaphorical expression of contempt or disdain. It conveys a sense of snobbishness or superiority and is commonly used in everyday speech to describe someone's negative reaction or attitude towards something or someone they consider inferior or unworthy. [Paragraph about "turn one's nose up"]

The idiom "turn one's nose up" is closely related to "turn up one's nose" and has a similar meaning. It also refers to the act of showing disdain or contempt for something, but with a slightly different emphasis. While "turn up one's nose" implies a general sense of superiority or snobbishness, "turn one's nose up" suggests a more deliberate and intentional act of rejection or dismissal. When someone "turns their nose up" at something, it implies a deliberate choice to reject or dismiss it, often based on perceived inferiority or unworthiness.

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Another related idiom is "look down one's nose," which also conveys a sense of disdain or contempt for something or someone. Like "turn up one's nose," this idiom is often used to describe a person's negative attitude or reaction towards something they consider inferior or unworthy. However, "look down one's nose" suggests a more passive form of judgment or condescension. When someone "looks down their nose" at something, they are metaphorically looking from a higher position of perceived superiority, as if looking down on something or someone deemed less favorable or valuable. It implies a sense of snobbishness or haughtiness.

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The idiom "snot-nosed" is another related expression that involves a literal interpretation of the idiom "turn up one's nose." This idiom is often used to describe a young person, typically a child or teenager, who is perceived as arrogant, disrespectful, or annoyingly superior. The term "snot-nosed" is derived from the image of a child who is sniffling or crying, drawing attention to their runny, irritated nose. In this context, the idiom "turn up one's nose" is used to describe the smug or superior attitude often associated with young people who exhibit such behavior.

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Lastly, the idiom "thumb one's nose" is another expression that shares a connection to the idiom "turn up one's nose." Both idioms involve the physical gesture of raising or pointing one's nose in a contemptuous or dismissive manner. However, while "turn up one's nose" focuses more on the facial expression of disdain or contempt, "thumb one's nose" adds an additional element of mockery or defiance. When someone "thumbs their nose" at something or someone, they not only show disdain or contempt but also mock or belittle the object of their scorn. It implies a sense of rebelliousness or defiance, as if daring or challenging the subject of their derision.

Despite its straightforward meaning and usage, the idiom "turn up one's nose" leaves room for interpretation and speculation. One might ponder the reasons behind a person's decision to "turn up their nose" at something and the underlying factors that contribute to this expression of disdain. The idiom invites further exploration into the complexities of human behavior and the various social dynamics surrounding notions of superiority and inferiority. Each related idiom, "turn one's nose up," "look down one's nose," "snot-nosed," and "thumb one's nose," adds a nuanced perspective to the overall concept of showing disdain or contempt and sheds light on the different ways in which this sentiment can be expressed and understood.