31+ Other Ways to Say Picking Your Nose (100+ Examples)

Without a doubt, people have been doing this for a long time, even if they hide it well. Society calls it rude, or just plain gross, but everyone feels the urge now and then. Finding the right words for this messy habit can be tricky, funny, or even polite. You might want to laugh about it, or keep it quiet, so use these helpful tips to say it your own way.

Casual Ways to Say Picking Your Nose

Having a Dig

This is a very common way to talk about the habit with friends, especially when you are being lighthearted. It sounds a bit like you are searching for hidden treasure, which makes it feel less gross. Use this around people you know well, like your close circle, because it takes the sting out of the action. It keeps things funny, simple, and very relaxed for everyone involved.

• You are having a dig again, and it looks pretty funny.
• Stop having a dig while we eat, please.
• He is having a dig because his nose feels itchy.
• Why are you having a dig in public right now?

Clearing the Way

Sometimes you need to breathe, so you go for a quick fix. This phrase sounds much more helpful, almost like you are doing a chore. Use this if you want to be funny, or if you want to act like you have a good reason to touch your face. It works well when you are just joking around with a buddy who does it too.

• Stop clearing the way, because everyone is watching you.
• Is she clearing the way, or is she just bored?
• You are clearing the way, and it is very obvious.
• He is always clearing the way when he thinks I am not looking.

Mining for Gold

This is a classic joke, perfect for when you want to tease a friend. It suggests that there is something very valuable inside the nose, which is obviously silly. Use this when you see someone being sneaky, or when you just want to poke a little fun at the situation. It turns a gross moment into a funny one, which is usually for the best.

• Look at him mining for gold, like he is rich now.
• You are mining for gold again, and it is hilarious.
• Stop mining for gold, because it is not a good look.
• She is busy mining for gold, so she cannot talk right now.

Sorting Things Out

This sounds almost professional, which is what makes it so funny to say. It turns a weird habit into a task that needs doing. Use this phrase when you want to act like you are doing something important, even though you are just picking your nose. It is a great way to shrug off the embarrassment if someone catches you in the act.

• You are sorting things out, so leave me alone.
• Stop sorting things out, and pay attention to the game.
• He is just sorting things out, so do not worry.
• Why are you always sorting things out in the car?

Doing Some Maintenance

Think of the nose like a machine that needs a little work. That is why this phrase fits so well, especially when you are trying to be funny. Use this with people who enjoy a good laugh, or when you are feeling very confident about your bad habits. It makes the whole thing feel like a boring job, which is a funny way to see it.

• Stop doing some maintenance, and put your hands down.
• You are doing some maintenance, and it looks weird.
• He is busy doing some maintenance, so he is distracted.
• Why are you doing some maintenance right at the table?

Nose Exploring

This sounds like an adventure, which is a silly way to look at something so small. Use this when you want to be a bit playful, or if you want to make the other person laugh. It works best in a casual chat, or when you are teasing someone you like. It makes the action feel much less serious, which is always a good thing.

• You are nose exploring again, and I saw you.
• Stop with the nose exploring, it is not helping.
• He loves nose exploring when he thinks no one is looking.
• Is nose exploring your new favorite hobby today?

Checking the Contents

This is a bit more direct, but it still keeps things light. Use this when you want to point out the action without being mean. It sounds like you are curious, or just checking on something. It is perfect for a quick joke, especially if you are talking to someone who takes themselves way too seriously, because it ruins their tough look.

• You are just checking the contents, so relax.
• Stop checking the contents while we are in a meeting.
• He is checking the contents, and it is very distracting.
• Are you checking the contents of your nose again?

Scratching an Itch

This is the classic excuse, and it works every time. Even if you are doing more than scratching, this phrase gives you an out. Use this when you feel caught, or when you want to play it safe. It is a very polite way to hide the truth, and most people will just believe you, even if they know better.

• I am just scratching an itch, so stop staring.
• You are scratching an itch, and it looks quite deep.
• He says he is scratching an itch, but I doubt it.
• Stop scratching an itch, because it looks really strange.

Picking a Winner

This phrase is very funny, especially if you want to mock the person doing it. It suggests that they are looking for something special, which is a gross, silly thought. Use this when you want to be a bit cheeky, or when you want to make your friend laugh. It is best used in a very relaxed, friendly, and private setting.

• You are busy picking a winner, I see.
• Stop picking a winner, because it is gross.
• He is picking a winner, and it is so funny.
• Are you picking a winner, or just being bored?

Taking a Look

This is very short, and it sounds like you are just being curious. Use this if you want to be subtle, or if you want to make the person feel less bad about being caught. It is a kind way to frame a gross habit, so it works well if you want to keep the peace between friends. Keep it simple and move on.

• You are just taking a look, I know.
• Stop taking a look, and use a tissue.
• He is taking a look, because he is curious.
• Why are you taking a look at your nose now?

Playful Ways to Say Picking Your Nose

Excavating the Cave

This is for when you want to be really descriptive and silly. It sounds like you are a scientist on a dig. Use this with friends who like big words used for small things. It is very funny, and it makes the action seem like a grand adventure. Everyone will know you are just making a joke about a very gross habit.

• Stop excavating the cave, because it is time to eat.
• You are excavating the cave again, aren’t you?
• He is busy excavating the cave in the back row.
• Why are you excavating the cave while I am talking?

Searching for Treasure

Think of this as a way to make the gross action feel like a game. It sounds like you are looking for gold or gems, which is obviously very funny. Use this when you are being playful, or when you want to tease someone you love. It turns a private moment into a reason to smile, which is a nice, weird thing to do.

• You are searching for treasure, and I found you.
• Stop searching for treasure, it is not polite.
• He is searching for treasure, so he is not listening.
• Are you searching for treasure in your nose?

Gardening the Face

This is a very weird way to say it, which is exactly why it is fun. It sounds like you are tending to a garden, which is a funny mental image. Use this with people who enjoy strange jokes. It will make them stop and laugh, which is better than them being grossed out by the actual habit. It is all about the humor.

• You are gardening the face again, I see.
• Stop gardening the face, it is really weird.
• He is busy gardening the face, so leave him be.
• Why are you gardening the face in front of me?

Playing the Flute

This is a very silly comparison, but it works for a quick laugh. It describes the finger moving in and out, which looks like playing an instrument. Use this when you want to be random or funny. It is a great way to break the ice, or to make someone feel embarrassed in a very nice, friendly way.

• You are playing the flute, and it is loud.
• Stop playing the flute, because we are eating.
• He is playing the flute, and he thinks he is cool.
• Are you playing the flute, or just cleaning your nose?

Fishing for Lunch

This is a very gross, but very funny, way to talk about it. It implies that the person is hungry, which is a disgusting joke to make. Use this only with your closest, weirdest friends who can take a joke. It is definitely not for polite company, but it is a riot in the right place, at the right time.

• You are fishing for lunch, and it is disgusting.
• Stop fishing for lunch, please, I am begging you.
• He is fishing for lunch, so do not look.
• Why are you fishing for lunch in public?

Polishing the Dome

This is a silly way to describe the finger moving inside the nose. It sounds like you are cleaning a statue, which is a funny thought. Use this when you want to make light of a situation. It is a good way to be playful without being too mean. Keep it light, keep it fast, and move on.

• You are polishing the dome, and it looks funny.
• Stop polishing the dome, we are in a shop.
• He is polishing the dome, and he looks proud.
• Are you polishing the dome again, my friend?

Cleaning the Pipes

This sounds like you are a plumber, which is a funny way to frame the habit. Use this when you want to be a bit dry with your humor. It works well with friends who like practical, silly jokes. It takes away the gross feeling by making it sound like a simple, household chore that needs to get done.

• You are cleaning the pipes, and it is loud.
• Stop cleaning the pipes, and use a tissue.
• He is cleaning the pipes, so he is busy.
• Why are you cleaning the pipes right now?

Touching Up the Inside

This sounds like you are doing makeup, which is a funny way to look at picking your nose. Use this when you want to be very sarcastic. It suggests that you are trying to look good, which is obviously not true. It is a great way to tease someone who thinks they are being very subtle about what they are doing.

• You are touching up the inside, and it shows.
• Stop touching up the inside, it is not helping.
• He is busy touching up the inside, so wait.
• Why are you touching up the inside in the dark?

Sarcastic Ways to Say Picking Your Nose

Getting a Handle on Things

This phrase is for when you want to be really dry. It sounds like you are doing something productive, but you are not. Use this when you want to make someone feel silly for what they are doing. It is a very sarcastic way to point out the habit without actually saying the words. It is perfect for a biting, witty remark.

• You are getting a handle on things, I see.
• Stop getting a handle on things, it is gross.
• He is getting a handle on things, and it is weird.
• Are you getting a handle on things again today?

Doing Some Deep Research

This implies that the person is searching for something important, which is a joke. Use this when you want to be mean in a funny way. It makes the person look like they are wasting their time, which is a great way to tease them. It is very sarcastic, so make sure they can take a joke before you say it.

• You are doing some deep research in your nose.
• Stop doing some deep research, and eat your food.
• He is doing some deep research, so leave him alone.
• Why are you doing some deep research in public?

Quality Control

This is a classic sarcastic way to describe a bad habit. It sounds like a professional task, which makes it very funny. Use this when you want to point out the gross behavior while pretending to be serious. It is a clever way to make your point, and it usually gets a laugh from the people watching the scene.

• You are doing quality control, and it looks bad.
• Stop quality control, because it is grossing me out.
• He is doing quality control, so he is busy.
• Is quality control really necessary for your nose?

Checking for Oil

This is a very dry, sarcastic way to talk about the habit. It implies that the nose is a machine that needs checking. Use this when you want to be witty and cold. It is a great way to show your annoyance without shouting. It makes the other person feel very awkward, which might be exactly what you want.

• You are checking for oil, and it is weird.
• Stop checking for oil, we are at dinner.
• He is checking for oil, and he is very focused.
• Are you checking for oil in your nose again?

Inspecting the Plumbing

This is for when you want to be really blunt. It sounds like a serious check, but the topic is gross. Use this when you are tired of watching someone pick their nose. It is a sarcastic way to tell them that you see what they are doing, and that it is not a good thing. It is very effective.

• You are inspecting the plumbing, and it is gross.
• Stop inspecting the plumbing, we are in public.
• He is inspecting the plumbing, so he is occupied.
• Why are you inspecting the plumbing right now?

Making a Discovery

This is a very sarcastic way to act like the person is doing something important. It makes them seem like they have found something amazing, which is a funny, cruel joke. Use this when you want to mock someone for their habit. It is very direct, and it will definitely get a reaction from anyone who is nearby.

• You are making a discovery in your nose, I see.
• Stop making a discovery, it is not worth it.
• He is making a discovery, so do not interrupt.
• Are you making a discovery, or just being gross?

Solving a Problem

This is for when you want to pretend that the nose is the source of all their issues. It is very sarcastic and dry. Use this when you want to be a bit mean. It makes the habit seem like a chore they are forced to do, which is a funny way to mock them for being so gross.

• You are solving a problem, and it looks deep.
• Stop solving a problem, it is very gross.
• He is solving a problem, so he is busy.
• Why are you solving a problem in your nose?

Checking the Structural Integrity

This uses big words to describe a small, gross act, which is very sarcastic. Use this when you want to sound smarter than the person picking their nose. It is a great way to make them feel silly. It is very dry, very sarcastic, and it works best when you keep a straight face.

• You are checking the structural integrity of your nose.
• Stop checking the structural integrity, it is rude.
• He is checking the structural integrity, and it is weird.
• Is checking the structural integrity really your priority?

Doing a Quick Audit

This makes the habit sound like an office job, which is a very funny comparison. Use this when you want to be witty. It is a sarcastic way to point out that they are wasting their time. It works well in any situation where you want to show that you find the habit to be very annoying.

• You are doing a quick audit of your nose.
• Stop doing a quick audit, it is very gross.
• He is doing a quick audit, so ignore him.
• Why are you doing a quick audit in public?

Punny Ways to Say Picking Your Nose

Picking Up the Slack

This is a play on words, and it is very funny. It uses the word picking to make a pun about doing work. Use this when you want to be clever and funny. It is a great way to make a joke about the habit without being too mean or too gross. People usually smile at a good pun.

• You are picking up the slack, but it is gross.
• Stop picking up the slack, and wash your hands.
• He is picking up the slack in his nose today.
• Are you picking up the slack, or just picking?

Having a Nosey Moment

This is a fun pun on the word nose. It is light, simple, and very easy to understand. Use this when you want to be silly. It is a great way to call out the habit in a way that doesn’t feel like an attack. It keeps the mood friendly and fun, which is exactly what you want.

• You are having a nosey moment, I can see.
• Stop having a nosey moment, because it is time to go.
• He is having a nosey moment, so leave him alone.
• Is having a nosey moment your way of relaxing?

Going for a Snot-ty Prize

This is a bit gross, but it is a pun that people will definitely get. Use this if you want to be a bit edgy with your jokes. It is best for friends who appreciate a slightly dirty pun. It is funny, and it makes the situation feel less serious than it really is. Keep it short.

• You are going for a snot-ty prize today, aren’t you?
• Stop going for a snot-ty prize, it is gross.
• He is going for a snot-ty prize, so do not look.
• Why are you going for a snot-ty prize in public?

Booger Picking for Gold

This pun uses the word booger, which is very direct. It is a funny way to talk about the habit. Use this when you want to be blunt but also funny. It is a simple pun that hits the nail on the head. It works best in a very casual setting with people you know well.

• You are booger picking for gold, so stop it.
• Stop booger picking for gold, we are in class.
• He is booger picking for gold, and it is gross.
• Are you booger picking for gold, or just bored?

Nasal Excavation Work

This is a pun on the word nasal. It sounds like a serious job, but it is just a funny way to say you are picking your nose. Use this when you want to sound a bit smart but also be a goof. It is a great way to make people laugh while you are being gross.

• You are doing nasal excavation work again, I see.
• Stop nasal excavation work, it is not polite.
• He is doing nasal excavation work, so do not talk.
• Why are you doing nasal excavation work in public?

Digging Into the Matter

This is a pun on the phrase digging into a matter. It means to look into something, but in this case, it is very literal. Use this when you want to be clever. It is a fun way to use language to make a joke about a very basic and gross human habit.

• You are digging into the matter, and it is weird.
• Stop digging into the matter, it is very gross.
• He is digging into the matter, so leave him be.
• Are you digging into the matter again today?

Creative Ways to Say Picking Your Nose

Clearing the Tunnel

This sounds like a construction project, which is a creative way to describe a gross habit. Use this when you want to be imaginative. It makes the action sound like a big task, which is a funny way to see it. It is a good phrase to use when you want to be funny without being mean.

• You are clearing the tunnel, and it is distracting.
• Stop clearing the tunnel, because we are eating now.
• He is clearing the tunnel, so do not watch him.
• Why are you clearing the tunnel in the meeting?

Organizing the Interior

This is a very fancy way to say you are picking your nose. It sounds like you are an architect, which is a funny thought. Use this when you want to be a bit silly and creative with your language. It takes away the grossness by making it sound like something that requires real skill and care.

• You are organizing the interior, and it looks hard.
• Stop organizing the interior, it is not helping.
• He is organizing the interior, so give him space.
• Why are you organizing the interior of your nose?

Working on the Hardware

This is a creative way to describe the face, as if it were a computer. It is a funny comparison that makes the habit seem like a tech issue. Use this when you want to be quirky and fun. It is a great way to make a joke that feels a little different from the others.

• You are working on the hardware again, I see.
• Stop working on the hardware, it is very gross.
• He is working on the hardware, so leave him.
• Are you working on the hardware of your nose?

Adjusting the Air Intake

This sounds like you are working on a car, which is a funny way to describe the nose. Use this when you want to be clever. It makes the habit seem like a mechanical fix, which is a very creative way to look at something so natural and gross. It is a good way to be funny.

• You are adjusting the air intake, and it is loud.
• Stop adjusting the air intake, we are eating.
• He is adjusting the air intake, so ignore him.
• Why are you adjusting the air intake in public?

Interior Decorating

This is a very funny, creative way to talk about the habit. It suggests you are making the inside look better, which is clearly a joke. Use this when you want to be lighthearted and imaginative. It makes people smile because it is so silly and unexpected. It is a great way to be friendly.

• You are interior decorating, and it is very gross.
• Stop interior decorating, it is not a good look.
• He is interior decorating, so leave him alone.
• Are you interior decorating your nose right now?

Grooming the Vents

This is a strange but creative way to talk about the nose. It sounds like a maintenance job. Use this when you want to be quirky. It is a funny way to address the habit without being rude. It is all about the creative imagery that makes people stop and think about how silly it is.

• You are grooming the vents, and it is weird.
• Stop grooming the vents, we are in public.
• He is grooming the vents, so let him be.
• Why are you grooming the vents of your nose?

Summary of Alternate Ways

Final Thoughts

I hope you found these ways to talk about such a funny, human habit helpful. Whether you want to be silly, sarcastic, or just plain clever, there is a phrase here for every moment. Just remember to use them in the right place, with the right friends, and keep things lighthearted. After all, it is just a nose.