Snoop
/snuːp/noun
To secretly investigate or pry into someone else's affairs.
Did you know?English first used snoop as a noun for a prying person before the verb spread, and its exact deeper origin is uncertain, which only adds to its shadowy feel.
Etymological Timeline
Late 16th Century
English
snoop
“a prying or sneaking person”
Late 16th Century
English
snoop
“to pry, spy, or prowl about stealthily”
19th Century
English
snoop
“to investigate secretly or intrusively”
Modern English
English
snoop
“to secretly look into other people's business”
Explore more surprising origins