on the sniff

English

Prepositional phrase

on the sniff

1. (UK, slang, vulgar) In search of a sex partner.
   • 2011, Autumn Stephens, Roar Softly and Carry a Great Lipstick, page 56:

     But the fact that online “dating” was a euphemism for ACTION, the same way as walking into a bar is a sign that you're out on the sniff, suited me just fine.

   • 2012, Mark Billingham, Rush of Blood:

     Ed stayed leaning in and after signalling to the others to do the same, he inclined his head towards the girls at the adjacent table. 'West End's heaving with that sort on a Saturday night,' he said. 'Office girls out on the sniff.'

References

• Tony Thorne (2014) “on the sniff”, in Dictionary of Contemporary Slang, 4th edition, London,  […]: Bloomsbury