# cock a snook

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/cock-a-snook
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To perform a snook, a gesture of disrespect.

## Examples

- He cocked a snook at the rules by ignoring them entirely.
- The rebellious student cocked a snook at the teacher's authority by walking out of the classroom during the lecture.
- By publishing the controversial article, the journalist effectively cocked a snook at the establishment, challenging the very institutions that had long demanded his silence.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.