How not to say what you mean: A dictionary of euphemisms. R. W. Holder. 2014.
Snake pit — Snake pits were a historical European means of imposing capital punishment. Convicts were cast into a deep pit containing venomous snakes, such as vipers. They died from snake venom poisoning as the irritated snakes attacked them. An example of… … Wikipedia
snake pit — snake′ pit or snake′pit n. 1) a mental hospital marked by squalor and inhumane or indifferent care for the patients 2) an intensely chaotic or disagreeable place or situation • Etymology: after a novel with the same title (1946) by Mary Jane Ward … From formal English to slang
snake-pit — snakeˈ pit noun (figurative) 1. A mental hospital 2. A place, or circumstances, characterized by disordered emotions and relationships • • • Main Entry: ↑snake … Useful english dictionary
snake pit — n. 1. a pit where snakes are kept ☆ 2. Informal a place of horror and confusion, as a crowded mental hospital where patients are improperly cared for … English World dictionary
snake pit — noun 1. pejorative terms for an insane asylum • Syn: ↑Bedlam, ↑booby hatch, ↑crazy house, ↑cuckoo s nest, ↑funny farm, ↑funny house, ↑loony bin, ↑madhouse, ↑nut ho … Useful english dictionary
Snake pit (disambiguation) — Snake pits were a historical European means of imposing capital punishment. * The Snake Pit , a 1948 film *Slash s Snakepit, a rock band which was a side project formed by then Guns N Roses lead guitarist Slash in 1994 *Narcisse Snake Pits, a… … Wikipedia
Snake pit (game) — Snake Pit is an outdoor recreational game and an alternative to the popular activity known as horseshoes. The game requires contestants to toss an oversized washer into a square wooden box or the hole inside of it (a pipe coming up from the base… … Wikipedia
SNaKe PiT Music and Motorcycle Connection — The sNaKe PiT Music and Motorcycle Connection is a motorcycle rally and Music Festival held annually each June at the Rock Creek Lodge of Clinton, Montana drawing artists, music enthusiasts, and riders from all over the northwest region of the… … Wikipedia
snake pit — /ˈsneɪk pɪt/ (say snayk pit) noun 1. a pit containing venomous snakes, especially as used as a means of torture or execution. 2. Military Colloquial a sergeant s mess. Also, snake pen …
snake pit — noun Date: 1946 1. a hospital for mental diseases 2. a place or state of chaotic disorder and distress … New Collegiate Dictionary
