Would you like to compare the superior standard of something to other things that are almost like it, but not quite the same? The phrase 'up to snuff' is a common though slightly outdated expression that can be used to say what you mean. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this common phrase.
Meaning
The phrase 'up to snuff' means that something is of a high quality or standard.
The phrase can be used to say that something is up to snuff, meaning that it must be of a superior or high standard. The phrase can also be used in the negative form, to deny the good qualities that something might possess.
If something is 'up to snuff' then it is assumed that the quality of it is good.
If something is said to be 'not up to snuff' then it is assumed that the quality of something is inferior instead.
The phrase can be used as a statement, but can also be expressed as a question.
The saying 'up to snuff' can be used to refer to physical objects, but might also refer to someone's performance at something.
Example Usage
“We decided to go for the cheaper brand toilet, but it started leaking in the first week. It just wasn't up to snuff.”
“His performance just wasn't up to snuff this year. That's why they lost the bridge tournament.”
“If his work isn't up to snuff, then you're just going to have to fire him and get it over with. Hire someone else whose work is up to snuff instead.”
“Dude, if the boss finds out that you've been putting things not up to snuff through on the assembly line, they're going to fire all of us just for looking at you.”
Origin
The origin of the phrase 'up to snuff' is said to originate from the comparison of powdered tobacco, which was colloquially known as snuff.
If something is 'up to snuff' then it is assumed to be great, as good as high quality tobacco, even if the modern phrase only uses the term 'snuff' as a comparison.
According to Mental Floss, the phrase 'up to snuff' first appeared in a London newspaper in the year 1807.
The original meaning of 'up to snuff' was used to describe someone's intelligence, and its original meaning was not as general.
After this use, the expression entered popular dictionaries soon after and it would persist well into the days of social media.
Modern use of the term sees use of it often as a pop culture reference, or as a mention on social media.
Phrases Similar to Up to Snuff
- Of a high standard
Phrases Opposite to Up to Snuff
- N/a
What is the Correct Saying?
- Something is up to snuff
- Something is not up to snuff
Ways People May Say Up to Snuff Incorrectly
There are several ways in which someone might use the phrase 'up to snuff' in the wrong way, or misunderstand the meaning of the phrase when it is used.
The phrase can be used to refer to material or immaterial things, of which the standard is usually being compared to good snuff (versus not).
Incorrect use of the phrase would include 'up to snuffs'.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Up to Snuff
The correct way to use the phrase 'up to snuff' is to use the term to indicate that something is (or is not, in its denial form) of a high standard.
The phrase can be used as a statement, but it might also be expressed as a question instead that is used to ask if something is (or is not) up to snuff.