verb

snaffle

SNAF-ul/ˈsnæfl/

To take something quickly, often without permission.

He snaffles the last cookie before anyone else notices it.

A man quickly snatches the last cookie from a shared plate just before another man's reaching hand arrives.

Etymology

The evidence describes a bridle-bit noun, likely from or related to Dutch snavel (“beak, snout”), but does not explain how the verb acquired the meaning “grab quickly.”

More examples

Someone snaffled my pen while I was away.
She hopes to snaffle a free sample before they run out.
The kids are snaffling fries from my plate.

Forms

snaffle · snaffles · snaffled · snaffling

Similar words

snatch: Emphasizes a sudden grabbing motion, sometimes involving force.
swipe: More clearly implies stealing rather than simply obtaining quickly.
grab: Broadly means taking quickly, without necessarily suggesting missing permission.