The Village Idiom

turn up one's nose

When someone "turns up their nose," they express extreme disapproval or contempt for something or someone, typically due to a sense of superiority or snobbery.

Filed under T

In a sentence

  • She turned up her nose when she was offered a piece of cake.
  • The snobby customer turned up his nose at the cheap wine.
  • He turned up his nose at the idea of eating fast food for dinner.

Where it comes from and how it is used

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.

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.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.