Snickered: meaning, definitions and examples

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snickered

 

[ˈsnɪkərd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

quiet laughter

To snicker means to laugh quietly or to let out a suppressed laugh, often in a way that suggests amusement at someone else's misfortune or flaws. It's a form of laughter that is not openly expressive but rather subdued. Snickering can be associated with mocking or derisive behavior, as it implies a lack of full respect for the subject of the laughter. The term is often used in the context of teasing or making fun of someone in a light-hearted yet sneaky way.

Synonyms

giggle, sneer, snigger, titter.

Examples of usage

  • The students snickered at the teacher's mistake.
  • She couldn't help but snicker when her friend tripped.
  • They snickered quietly during the serious meeting.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'snickered' comes from the late 19th century, evolving from 'snicker,' which means to laugh quietly.
  • It can be traced back to the earlier word 'snick,' which means to make a quick, sneaky sound.

Literature

  • Authors like Mark Twain and Charles Dickens use snickering to depict characters with a mocking or derisive attitude.
  • In many stories, snickering often signals a character’s mischievous intentions or hidden humor.

Psychology

  • Quiet laughter like snickering can indicate social dynamics where one person feels superior over another.
  • Research shows that people often snicker in groups to bond, as laughter can create a sense of unity, even at someone else's expense.

Pop Culture

  • In films and TV shows, characters often snicker to show disapproval or amusement at others' mistakes, enhancing drama or humor.
  • Comedians frequently use snickering to indicate light-hearted mockery or playful teasing, making it a comedic tool.

Social Settings

  • In school environments, snickering can lead to bullying, as it often accompanies taunts or jokes at someone's expense.
  • Understanding the context of snickering is important, as it can be playful in some situations and hurtful in others.

Translations

Translations of the word "snickered" in other languages:

🇵🇹 risadinha

🇮🇳 ख़ुशकिस्मती से मुस्कुराना

🇩🇪 kichern

🇮🇩 tersenyum sinis

🇺🇦 підсміхатися

🇵🇱 chichotać

🇯🇵 クスクス笑う

🇫🇷 rire sous cape

🇪🇸 reírse entre dientes

🇹🇷 sindirerek gülmek

🇰🇷 낄낄 웃다

🇸🇦 يضحك بسخرية

🇨🇿 škádlit

🇸🇰 posmievať sa

🇨🇳 窃笑

🇸🇮 posmehovati se

🇮🇸 hlæja hljóðlega

🇰🇿 құпия күлкі

🇬🇪 ხუმრობა

🇦🇿 gülmək

🇲🇽 reírse entre dientes

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,499, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.