snipe
PRONUNCIATION:
(snyp) 
MEANING:
noun:
1. Any of various long-billed birds inhabiting marshy areas.
2. A shot from a concealed position.
verb intr.:
1. To shoot from a concealed position.
2. To criticize in a harsh and unfair way, especially anonymously.
1. Any of various long-billed birds inhabiting marshy areas.
2. A shot from a concealed position.
verb intr.:
1. To shoot from a concealed position.
2. To criticize in a harsh and unfair way, especially anonymously.
ETYMOLOGY:
Probably of Scandinavian origin. The shooting sense comes from the practice of snipe hunting. Earliest documented use: 1325.
USAGE:
“When a Politico reporter asked last month how he endured constant sniping from his own party, Boehner said: ‘Garbage men get used to the smell of bad garbage. Prisoners learn how to become prisoners.’”
Doyle McManus; Boehner’s Happiest Moment; Los Angeles Times; Sep 27, 2015.
“A former Official IRA member described the attack as a reflex action: ‘Anybody who had planned a snipe from that position would have literally been taking his life in his hands.’”
Gary Kelly; Bloody Sunday Tribunal to Delay Legal Action Against McGuinness; Irish Examiner(Cork, Ireland); Nov 7, 2003.
Doyle McManus; Boehner’s Happiest Moment; Los Angeles Times; Sep 27, 2015.
“A former Official IRA member described the attack as a reflex action: ‘Anybody who had planned a snipe from that position would have literally been taking his life in his hands.’”
Gary Kelly; Bloody Sunday Tribunal to Delay Legal Action Against McGuinness; Irish Examiner(Cork, Ireland); Nov 7, 2003.
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