I have to say that the first things that comes to mind (!) when I think of "snarky" are Culture drones...

I recall the poem, The Hunting of the Snark:

  "Just the place for a Snark!" the Bellman cried,
    As he landed his crew with care;
  Supporting each man on the top of the tide
    By a finger entwined in his hair.
    ...

I didn't know this was a Britishism! As a certified British person I can recommend snark as both a word and a practice.

I had always just assumed it was a blend of "snide" and "sarcastic". interesting to see it's not related to either word!