Snooperscope
/ˈsnuːpərskoʊp/noun
A device designed for covert observation, especially an early infrared night-vision instrument.
Did you know?During World War II, “Snooperscope” was used for portable infrared equipment, making the word an early piece of night-vision technology history rather than merely a modern surveillance nickname.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*spek-
“To look at, observe, or examine”
Ancient Greek
Greek
skopeîn
“To look at, examine, or observe”
16th Century
English
-scope
“A combining form referring to an instrument for viewing or examining”
Late 19th Century
English
snoop
“To pry or investigate furtively”
Early 20th Century
English
snooper
“A person or device that observes covertly”
1940s
English
Snooperscope
“A nickname for portable infrared night-observation equipment, especially in military use”