Английский Этимологический словарь - snap (n.)

- 1495, "quick, sudden bite or cut," from Du. or Low Ger. snappen "to snap," probably related to M.L.G. or M.Du. snavel "bill, beak" (see nib). Sense of "quick movement" is first recorded 1631; that of "something easily done" is 1877. Common in compounds to indicate instantaneous action (cf. cold snap, 1829). The verb "break suddenly or sharply" is first recorded 1602; the mental sense is from 1970s. The card game is attested from 1882. Snapper applied to various fishes since 1697; as a short form of snapping turtle it is recorded from 1872. Snap-shot is from 1808, originally "a quick shot with a gun, without aim, at a fast-moving target;" photographic sense is from 1890. Phrase snap out of it first recorded 1928. Snappy "quick, energetic" is from 1831.