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Snerdle

Snerdle meaning in English: To wrap up snugly beneath the covers and ignore the world. 18th Century dialect. By Sketchplanations

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How many things are much nicer than wrapping yourself snugly under the covers in bed and ignoring the world for a little longer? That's the meaning of the 18th-century dialect word Snerdle.

Snerdle (verb) is from Yorkshire dialectologist Joseph Wright's English Dialect Dictionary . He gives the definition of snerdle, with examples, as:

SNERDLE, v. [snə̄·dl.] To nestle closely; to wrap up comfortably in bed; to go comfortably off to sleep. “Snerdle the child up; make it comfortable.” “The children are snerdling together nicely.” “I think the baby will soon snerdle off.”

Shared by British lexicographer and etymologist Susie Dent in her book Word Perfect: Etymological Entertainment Every Day , snerdling suits a grey, chilly, rainy winter day—which is what we have here—or, at times, hiding from current events.

Susie also lets us know : "Snuzzle, snoodge, and snerdle: all verbs in the English Dialect Dictionary for snuggling under the covers as though your life depended on it."

Like snerdling? There's also the old Scottish word hurkle-durkle. Hurkle-durkling is revelling in staying in bed long after you should have gotten up. Aaah, bliss.

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Published 26 Jan 2025

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Surfing is all about catching the perfect wave, and the type of surf break plays a big role in shaping those waves. Surf breaks are influenced by the seabed, coastline, and water depth. While no two waves are the same, surf breaks can generally be grouped into three main types: beach breaks, reef breaks, and point breaks. The 3 Types of Surfing Break 1. Beach Breaks Beach breaks occur where waves form over sandy bottoms near the shore. These are often the go-to for beginner surfers because the sand offers a softer, more forgiving landing compared to reefs or rocks. Another advantage is that you usually don’t have to paddle far to catch waves at a beach break. However, the wave conditions can vary frequently as shifting sands reshape the underwater landscape. 2. Reef Breaks Reef breaks are formed where waves break over a coral reef or rocky seabed. These can be located close to shore or further out at sea, depending on the reef’s position. Reef breaks are known for producing highly consistent and well-shaped waves, making them a favourite among experienced surfers. But be warned—wipeouts can be dangerous due to the shallow and sharp nature of the reef. 3. Point Breaks Point breaks form when waves wrap around a headland or rocky outcrop and peel along the coast. These breaks can create some of the longest, most rideable waves, often extending into a sheltered bay. The downside? Navigating rocks can be tricky, and the waves might require a bit more paddling effort. For surfers chasing long, clean rides, though, point breaks are hard to beat. I updated this sketch from the original hand-drawn version for my book Big Ideas Little Pictures Related Ideas to Surfing Breaks Also see: The Fun Scale The Three-Day Effect Beaches: amazing for play Strand line Anatomy of a wave Tectonic Plate Interaction Boundaries…Surfing is all about catching the perfect wave, and the type of surf break plays a big role in shaping those waves. Surf breaks are influenced by the seabed, coastline, and water depth. While no two waves are the same, surf breaks can generally be grouped into three main types: beach breaks, reef breaks, and point breaks. The 3 Types of Surfing Break 1. Beach Breaks Beach breaks occur where waves form over sandy bottoms near the shore. These are often the go-to for beginner surfers because the sand offers a softer, more forgiving landing compared to reefs or rocks. Another advantage is that you usually don’t have to paddle far to catch waves at a beach break. However, the wave conditions can vary frequently as shifting sands reshape the underwater landscape. 2. Reef Breaks Reef breaks are formed where waves break over a coral reef or rocky seabed. These can be located close to shore or further out at sea, depending on the reef’s position. Reef breaks are known for producing highly consistent and well-shaped waves, making them a favourite among experienced surfers. But be warned—wipeouts can be dangerous due to the shallow and sharp nature of the reef. 3. Point Breaks Point breaks form when waves wrap around a headland or rocky outcrop and peel along the coast. These breaks can create some of the longest, most rideable waves, often extending into a sheltered bay. The downside? Navigating rocks can be tricky, and the waves might require a bit more paddling effort. For surfers chasing long, clean rides, though, point breaks are hard to beat. I updated this sketch from the original hand-drawn version for my book Big Ideas Little Pictures Related Ideas to Surfing Breaks Also see: The Fun Scale The Three-Day Effect Beaches: amazing for play Strand line Anatomy of a wave Tectonic Plate Interaction Boundaries

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